OUR TEAM
High-Quality Healthcare You Can Trust
Our practice is led by talented and experienced practitioners committed to sustaining a high-performing healthcare system responsive to the needs of the community Bendigo Doctors serve.
Dr. Salik Shams
MBBS, MRCGP UK, MRCP UK, Diploma in Diabetes
Senior Family Physician
Dr. Salik Shams is a highly experienced Senior Family Physician with over 18 years of medical practice. Holding prestigious qualifications, including Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Dr. Shams brings extensive expertise in family medicine and chronic disease management.
With a special interest in diabetes care, he has earned a Diploma in Diabetes, allowing him to provide comprehensive management and personalised treatment plans for patients with diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Dr. Shams is dedicated to delivering patient-centred care, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for individuals and families.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Arabic, and Sindhi, Dr. Shams is committed to serving diverse communities, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive healthcare. Whether it’s preventive care, chronic disease management, or general family medicine, Dr. Shams prioritises patient well-being and long-term health.
Dr. Haris Akhtar
Experienced Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Haris Akhtar is a highly skilled and knowledgeable Family Medicine Physician with over 20 years of diverse medical experience in Dubai and Karachi before relocating to Australia. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care for individuals of all ages and genders, ensuring optimal health outcomes through a preventive and evidence-based approach.
Dr. Akhtar has extensive expertise in managing both chronic and acute conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, joint problems, and basic gynaecological concerns. Additionally, he is proficient in minor surgical procedures such as suturing, foreign body removal, and incision and drainage.
With a strong focus on disease prevention, patient education, and family planning, Dr. Akhtar also specialises in immigration medical assessments and overall health management. His commitment to continuous medical education ensures that he remains at the forefront of modern medical practices.Known for his excellent communication skills and compassionate approach, Dr. Akhtar is dedicated to fostering trust and delivering high-quality healthcare tailored to each patient’s needs.
Book an appointment today and take a step toward better health with Dr. Akhtar!
Dr Vijay Kumar
BMed, MD, PhD, FACP, FACHM (USA)
Dr Vijay Kumar is a highly experienced and globally trained medical professional with a distinguished career spanning over 26 years across Australia and the United States. Holding degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and St George’s University/New York University, Dr Kumar is a proud Fellow of both the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the American College of Hospital Medicine (FACHM).
Currently based in Portland, Victoria, Dr Kumar has been serving the local community in General Practice, Emergency Medicine, and Urgent Care since 2018. His clinical expertise is backed by extensive hospital experience, including long-standing roles at Portland Hospital (VIC), Nepean Hospital (NSW), and the University of Chicago’s teaching hospitals in the US.
With a solid foundation in Emergency and Urgent Care Medicine across both countries, Dr Kumar also brings two decades of critical care and hospital medicine experience from the United States. His patient-centred approach, combined with academic excellence and real-world insight, has made him a trusted name in medical care and education alike.
Dr Fahad Jamil
Specialist General Practitioner
Dr. Fahad Jamil is an experienced and dedicated Specialist General Practitioner with a strong background in both clinical practice and medical education. He holds an impressive array of qualifications: MBBS, BSc, MRCS (UK), MD (USA), and FRACGP.
With special interests in mole and skin checks, skin cancer surgeries, mental health, and psychotherapy, Dr. Jamil takes pride in providing compassionate, holistic care tailored to each patient’s needs. He has a keen passion for teaching and has played an active role in mentoring young doctors, nurses, and medical students. His contributions to the medical field include publishing articles in newspapers and media, and co-authoring a Central Nervous System Physiology handbook overseas.
Dr. Jamil is a two-time recipient of the Victorian Regional Doctor Outstanding Award (2012 and 2015), recognising his excellence in regional healthcare delivery.
On a personal note, he is happily married to a caring wife and enjoys kayaking, swimming, badminton, and playing the piano in his free time.
He is deeply passionate about excelling in patient care with a holistic approach and values working as an active member of a team.
Fun fact: Dr. Jamil loves to gently tease his cat, adding a touch of humor and warmth to his everyday life.
Dr Mohamed Nawras
Specialist General Practitioner
Dr. Mohamed Nawras (MBBS, FRCGP(INT), PG Diploma in Diabetes (Ireland), Fellowship in Diabetes (UK/India), Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) is an accomplished General Practitioner with more than 22 years of clinical experience across Sri Lanka, Oman, and Kuwait. He has worked extensively in general practice, hospital wards, emergency departments, and ICUs.
A graduate of the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka (MBBS, 2002), Dr. Nawras further advanced his expertise by earning an MRCGP[INT] in 2013, a Fellowship in Diabetes (UK/India) in 2015, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes (Ireland) in 2022. He is also a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and has undertaken studies in Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Known for delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive, patient-centred care, Dr. Nawras is fluent in English, Tamil, Sinhala, and Arabic. His clinical interests span chronic disease management (with a particular focus on diabetes), aged care, women’s and men’s health, pediatrics, dermatology, minor surgical procedures, and emergency medicine. He is committed to integrating the latest medical advancements into his practice.
Professionally, he was awarded the FRCGP[INT] (UK) in recognition of his contributions to primary healthcare in Sri Lanka, Oman, and Kuwait. Personally, he has been honoured as a “Patient Experience Hero” for three consecutive years in Kuwait and has received multiple awards from social and religious organisations for his dedication to community health and wellbeing.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Nawras enjoys travelling, camping, cycling, and engaging in social service. He is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and promoting personal development — and a fun fact: he speaks four languages!
