Health Practitioners
Dr Gayle O'Duffy
General Practitoner
Hailing from Queensland, where I studied Medicine, I came skiing at Mt Hutt in 1982 and never went home.
I have been part of the Medical Team in Methven since 1983. I have interests in rural medicine, gynaecology, musculoskeletal medicine and long term pain management.
I the last 15 years I have been involved in medical planning and service delivery for all of Canterbury.
After many years of skiing I took up golf, so when I’m not at the Medical Centre, you find me on the golf course or in my jewellery workshop.
Dr Cheryl Tallon
General Practitoner
I came to NZ in 2009 to work as a ski patrol doctor with a background in emergency medicine and prehospital / expedition / mountain medicine. Fell in love with New Zealand and made it my home. I retrained in General Practice in 2013 and have been in Methven ever since.
I still enjoy the outdoors, particularly mountain biking and ski/snowboarding, and keeping busy with my 2 sons Beau and Oliver
Dr Laura Pfeifer
General Practitoner
I trained and worked at the Christchurch public hospital for 4 years, before moving to Nelson to work in the community the most recent 2 years, before moving to Methven.
I am hugely passionate about Lifestyle Medicine (LM), particularly the prevention and treatment/reversal of chronic medical conditions through nourishment of the body and mind. Lifestyle Medicine is evidence-based practice to help individuals and families sustain healthy behaviours that affect health and quality of life. I have been a member of the Australasian College of Lifestyle Medicine for the past 2 years and have completed my Fellowship in Lifestyle Medicine.
When I'm not seeing patients or studying, you might see me out training for a upcoming 70.3 ironman, or recovering from an ultra distance marathon
Dr Howard Wilson
Locum General Practitoner
Born and raised in Surrey, England, initially studying Pharmacology at University of London gaining a PhD, before qualifying in Medicine.
Howard’s career has spanned many regions in New Zealand, as well as Australia, Rarotonga, Antarctica and the Arctic. He has worked in cardiorespiratory, general practice, PHARMAC, Canterbury Initiative and the New Zealand Formulary, as well as several other boards and committees within the Canterbury region.
In 2012, after 20 years, Howard “retired” from the Akaroa practice and undertook locum work at Methven Medical, among other rural practices, ever since.
Howard has been married to Sue for 33 years and has one son, Alasdair living in Taranaki. He also has a very cute cavoodle called Lily. When not working Howard can be found in his vegetable garden or yacht racing on Akaroa Harbour. Howard is passionate about rural health and is a strong advocate for optimum and equitable health care for rural areas.
Dr Neil Campbell
General Practitioner Associate
I've been a GP for 30 years, mostly in a small practice in Scotland. I also worked at the University of Aberdeen on primary care and rural health.
I spent most of 1990/91 as junior doctor in Christchurch and Ashburton so am delighted to be back as a GP in Methven.
I'm hoping to see plenty of New Zealand while I'm here with my wife Tessa, especially on our skis and bikes.
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Kathryn Hellyer
Nurse Practitioner
I have worked at the Methven Medical Centre for the past 17 years which I love as I was born and bred in rural NZ so always wanted to work in rural health care .
After doing my hospital time I became a practice nurse then decided to undertake my Nurse Practotoner training .
This has led to great opportunities for me and extended my knowledge and scope hugely within the Methven medical centre .
Outside of work I enjoy watching and supporting my kids sport. I also love to keep active and teach gym classes in Ashburton
Sarah Bothamley
Nurse Practitioner
Originally from Wellington, I moved to Christchurch about 8 years ago for job in the Emergency Department. I came out to Methven as part of my NP training, and loved it so much I’ve stayed! Now my time is split between Urgent Care in Christchurch, MMC, lecturing, and a few other bits and bobs. There are still lots of locals I haven’t met yet, even though I’ve been doing the commute for two years now. You can catch me on Fridays or the odd Thursday – although I mainly see acutes.
Outside of work I’ll usually be doing something active outside, on an adventure with my pup, or baking for my MMC colleagues
Chelsea Flynn
Practice Pharmacist and Health Coach
Born in South Africa, raised in North Canterbury, I studied my Bachelor of Pharmacy in Dunedin before working in community pharmacy in both NZ and Ireland and eventually moving back to little old Mid Canterbury with my dairy farming husband.
I have been lucky enough to be at Methven Medical for the last year in my role as Health Coach and even luckier now to be part of the team as Practice Pharmacist and Health Coach so you may see my face around more as I get to know the community.
When I am not at work, you’ll find me up at Mt Hutt Bike Park, exploring one of the many walks around, on the farm or at home with my dog, Bailey.