Our team at Northwest family Medical endeavours to facilitate the delivery of high quality health care in a friendly and modern environment. Working in conjunction with our Allied Health Partners we encompass all aspects of your health and well-being.
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Learn more about our Doctors:
About Dr Chris Gittoes
Country boy turned Doctor
Spent his formative years on family farm at Maules Creek, Boggabri NSW. His first full time job was as a stockman (ringer) on a cattle station near Cloncurry in western QLD in the late 70s. Obtained an Agricultural Science Degree (agricultural economics major) from the University of New England Armidale in the early 80’s after which he combined his cattle station experience and his formal qualifications and worked for the QLD Department of Primary industries as an Agricultural Economist in the North QLD beef industry. He then worked in commercial finance with a Japanese Merchant Bank (Sanwa) before establishing a food manufacturing business in Brisbane combined with some business consultancy work. In his mid-thirties, with a young family, he began the arduous journey to becoming a Rural Doctor which included a postgraduate degree in animal nutrition and biochemistry, followed by a postgraduate medical degree from the University of Queensland. He underwent post graduate medical training in Tamworth base hospital in emergency medicine and obstetrics and has worked as a GP in Gunnedah since 2004 and has completed his GP specialty training and holds a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice. Dr Gittoes is an accredited GP registrar trainer with GP Synergy, one of the GP training organizations in NSW.
He is also a past President of the NSW Rural Doctors Association.
With his wife, Geneveive, he has three adult children and in his spare time, he operates a small beef cattle farm south of Gunnedah.
Spent his formative years on family farm at Maules Creek, Boggabri NSW. His first full time job was as a stockman (ringer) on a cattle station near Cloncurry in western QLD in the late 70s. Obtained an Agricultural Science Degree (agricultural economics major) from the University of New England Armidale in the early 80’s after which he combined his cattle station experience and his formal qualifications and worked for the QLD Department of Primary industries as an Agricultural Economist in the North QLD beef industry. He then worked in commercial finance with a Japanese Merchant Bank (Sanwa) before establishing a food manufacturing business in Brisbane combined with some business consultancy work. In his mid-thirties, with a young family, he began the arduous journey to becoming a Rural Doctor which included a postgraduate degree in animal nutrition and biochemistry, followed by a postgraduate medical degree from the University of Queensland. He underwent post graduate medical training in Tamworth base hospital in emergency medicine and obstetrics and has worked as a GP in Gunnedah since 2004 and has completed his GP specialty training and holds a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice. Dr Gittoes is an accredited GP registrar trainer with GP Synergy, one of the GP training organizations in NSW.
He is also a past President of the NSW Rural Doctors Association.
With his wife, Geneveive, he has three adult children and in his spare time, he operates a small beef cattle farm south of Gunnedah.
Dr Saima Arshad
Dr. Saima Arshad holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), along with a Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). She’s also completed the Sydney Child Health Programme, ensuring she’s well-equipped to address the unique needs of patients of all ages.
Dr. Arshad’s passion for dermatology shines through her ongoing education, including a Membership Course in Dermatology with the Australian Institute of Dermatology and an Advanced Skin Surgical Course. She’s also earned a Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine, demonstrating her commitment to helping you look and feel your best.
With a focus on early detection and treatment of skin cancer, Dr. Arshad is dedicated to keeping you and your loved ones safe. She understands that everyone’s skin is unique, which is why she takes the time to personalize treatments for each patient. Her primary aim is the enhancement of skin vitality, employing a holistic approach that integrates various modalities such as skincare regimens and injectable treatments. Additionally, she anticipates incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including laser and other advanced devices, to facilitate the attainment of impeccably natural outcomes.
EDUCATION
Sydney Child Health Programme (Sydney Children’s Hospital Network)
Membership Course in Dermatology (Australian Institute of Dermatology)
Advanced Skin Surgical Course (Australian Institute of Dermatology)
Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine (Health Cert)
Dr Rafia Alam
Dr. Rafia Alam received her Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine in 2019. She joined Northwest Family Medical in August 2024 as a GTP3 RACGP Registrar and is currently in her final stages of RACGP training.