MEET YOUR MEDICAL TEAM
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Dr. Kate Napthali is a locally based Gastroenterologist. She offers her expertise at NUYU as a Specialist, consulting for the purposes of Medical Weight Loss.
You will find Dr. Napthali to be a calm and understanding doctor, able to address complex medical issues that may be of concern to you.
Dr. Napthali is available at our monthly clinics alongside our Pharmacist and Health Coach.
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Dr. Fiona O’connell has loved working as a GP for over 20 years, both in Scotland and Australia, and enjoys the variety and breadth of her current practice.Dr. O’Connell also works locally at a Specialist Gastroenterology clinic as a GP with a special interest in Gastroenterology. Dr. Napthali and Dr. O’Connell have been working closely for the past few years.
Fiona particularly likes the challenge of long-term care and has a special interest in Chronic & Preventative Health, such as Diabetes & Heart Disease. She particularly enjoys helping patients with chronic diseases understand and manage their long-term issues.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has formally recognised Dr. O'Connell's extended knowledge, skills and experience in obesity management, awarding her Recognition of Extended Skills in Obesity Management, an accreditation reserved for Fellows who have demonstrated specialist expertise in this field.
Dr. O’Connell has weekly appointments available for NUYU clients for both Medical Weight Loss and In-Depth Health Review as required.
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Dr. Kerith Duncanson is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who offers personalised nutrition support to NUYU clients alongside our medical team.
Kerith understands that every person has a unique relationship with food and her approach combines evidence-based nutrition care with empathy, helping clients develop sustainable eating habits that support long-term weight loss and lasting confidence.
Kerith brings extensive dietetic experience along with advanced training in motivational interviewing and counselling. Beyond simply advising on nutrition, she guides NUYU clients to understand and optimise their relationship with food, from meal planning and prep to mindful eating and building habits that genuinely last. The goal is to build your own kitbag of skills and resources that work for your lifestyle, your preferences and your journey.
You will find Kerith available during NUYU clinic days and coffee mornings, where she offers approachable, practical and personalised support that complements every stage of your weight loss journey.
Customise your journey
with our Experts
Dr. Fiona O’Connell
We're thrilled to partner with Dr. Fiona O'Connell at NUYU Newcastle. Dr. O'Connell is now offering weekly Medical Weight Loss appointments. This exciting development means you can start your transformation journey sooner with personalised medical weight loss assessment and options.
A Rich Medical Background
A graduate of the University of Bristol, UK, Dr. O'Connell began her career in Hospital Medicine, focusing on Gastroenterology and Cancer Medicine. She later retrained as a General Practitioner in Edinburgh, earning her GP Fellowship in the UK alongside a postgraduate diploma in Family Planning and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Passionate About Holistic Wellness
Dr. O'Connell finds fulfillment in providing comprehensive long-term care, with particular expertise in Chronic & Preventative Health conditions such as Diabetes & Heart Disease. She has a special gift for helping women navigate midlife health transitions with compassion and understanding. Her approach focuses on empowering patients to truly understand and effectively manage their health concerns.
Recognised Leader in Obesity Management
Dr. O'Connell's expertise in weight management has now been formally acknowledged at the highest level. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has awarded her Recognition of Extended Skills in Obesity Management, a prestigious accreditation reserved for Fellows who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skills and experience in this specialist field. This recognition further underscores her standing as a trusted and highly qualified practitioner in medical weight loss care.
Appointment Types
Dr. O’Connell offers weekly appointments to join the NUYU Newcastle Medical Weight Loss Program. These are 30 mins in duration, look for Initial Appointment appointments when booking.
She is also pleased to offer a bespoke 1 hour in depth health review to discuss chronic health issues preventing you from losing weight and optimising your health.
Dr. Kate Napthali
At NUYU, having access to specialist medical expertise is what sets our program apart. That's why we're proud to have Dr. Kate Napthali consulting as part of our monthly clinics, bringing a depth of specialist knowledge that supports our clients through even the most complex aspects of their weight loss journey.
A Specialist With Exceptional Credentials
Dr. Napthali is a graduate of the University of Sydney, having undertaken her training in the Northern Territory and at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital before settling in Newcastle in 2011. She holds a position as Staff Specialist in General Medicine and Gastroenterology at Calvary Mater Newcastle and has played a key role in ongoing clinical trials and research through the Department of Gastroenterology at John Hunter Hospital. Her commitment to medical education and staying at the forefront of her field means NUYU clients are in exceptionally capable hands.
Personalised, Compassionate Care
Dr. Napthali is known for her calm and understanding approach, making her particularly well placed to address the complex medical concerns that can arise during a weight loss journey. She prides herself on delivering personalised care with prompt and clear communication, ensuring clients feel heard, informed and supported at every stage.
Part of Your NUYU Team
Dr. Napthali consults at our monthly clinics alongside our pharmacist and health coach, bringing specialist gastroenterology expertise into a collaborative, integrated care model. For clients navigating complex health concerns alongside their weight loss goals, her involvement means you have the right specialist support exactly when you need it.
Dr. Kerith
Duncanson
Accredited Practising Dietitian
Alongside our medical team, NUYU clients have access to personalised nutrition support from Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Dr Kerith Duncanson and her team.
Kerith understands that every person has a unique relationship with food, different health goals, and their own journey to better health. Her approach combines evidence-based nutrition care with empathy, helping clients develop sustainable eating habits that support long-term weight loss, improved health and lasting confidence.
Expertise with Empathy
Kerith brings extensive dietetic experience, along with advanced training in motivational interviewing and counselling. She and her team provide evidence-based nutrition support tailored to each individual’s needs. Beyond simply advising on nutrition, Kerith can guide NUYU clients to understand and optimise their relationship with food, make sustainable changes, and build the confidence to maintain new lifestyle habits for life.
Each of us has unique food preferences, and a different food journey. The aim is to build your kitbag of skills and resources to nurture new food-related habits - from purchasing food to meal prep, balancing energy and nutrient intake, mindful eating and meal-time routines.
Exclusive NUYU Client Support
As well as easy access to Kerith during NUYU clinic days and coffee mornings, NUYU clients can access additional dietetic support designed to maximise results and create sustainable, long-term change.
✓ Comprehensive nutrition assessment
✓ Personalised nutrition guide and recommendations
✓ Evidence-based strategies tailored to your goals and lifestyle
✓ Nutritional analysis and practical food education
✓ Resources, recipes and ongoing support
✓ Guidance to build healthy habits that last for life
INTRODUCING FIBROSCAN
WHAT IS A FIBROSCAN?
A FibroScan is a painless, non-invasive test that measures the stiffness of your liver. Liver stiffness is an indicator of scarring (fibrosis) - the more scarring present, the stiffer the liver feels.
FibroScan uses a technology called transient elastography, which sends gentle vibrations through the liver and measures how quickly they travel. The result helps your doctor assess the health of your liver without the need for a biopsy.
A FibroScan is NOT a liver ultrasound. It measures liver stiffness and fat content - information that standard imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI cannot provide. FibroScan complements these by measuring tissue properties rather than visualising anatomy.
Why Fibroscan?
Key Clinical Benefits for Your Patients
✓ Non-invasive - no needles, no biopsy, no sedation required
✓ Quick and convenient - scan completed in approximately 10
minutes, with no recovery time needed
✓ Measures liver stiffness (fibrosis) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for steatosis (fatty infiltration)
✓ Accurate staging of liver fibrosis from F0 (none) to F4 (cirrhosis)
✓ Quantifies fatty liver (steatosis) graded S0-S3
✓ Safe for all patients including those on anticoagulants
Ideal for Patients With:
✓ Type 2 diabetes
✓ Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
✓ Chronic hepatitis B or C
✓ Metabolic syndrome / obesity
Why Would My Doctor Refer Me for a FibroScan?
Your doctor may have recommended a FibroScan for one of the following reasons:
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Your blood tests or ultrasound have suggested possible liver changes.
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Your doctor wants to monitor how your liver condition is progressing over time.
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You are being considered for, or are already on, treatment for a liver condition.
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You have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), or alcohol-related liver disease.