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CLINICAL TEAM
Clinical Founder & Trustee : Dr Anuya Deshpande
Dr Anuya Deshpande MBChB, FRNZCGP, Dip NZSCM, Dip Practical Dermatology, Dip Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery, Certificate Ultrasound Phlebology, Fellowship in Phlebology.
Founding Clinical Trustee, Vascular and Metabolic Equity Foundation Trust
Dr Anuya Deshpande is a specialist in venous health with a career built on one conviction: that high-quality, evidence-based care should reach everyone, regardless of where they live.
As Medical Director of Cosmetic and Veins Clinic since 2018, she is a practitioner and clinical trainer with qualifications spanning general practice, dermatology, skin cancer medicine, and phlebology. In 2025 she joined the Board of the Australasian College of Phlebology. In 2026 she co-founded the Vascular and Metabolic Equity Foundation Trust, driven by the recognition that the communities carrying the highest burden of vascular and metabolic disease are too often the last to receive specialist support.
Dr Mary Swan: Phlebologist
Originally from Ireland, Mary completed her undergraduate medical training in Scotland and worked in major teaching hospitals in southern England before moving to New Zealand in 2013. She has experience in urgent care and general practice and later undertook postgraduate training in phlebology. She has completed her advanced training in procedural phlebology and received a gold medal in sclerotherapy at an international congress.
Dr Michael Shawchuck: Dermatologist
Dr Michael Sawchuk is a Canadian- and American-board-certified dermatologist practising in New Zealand since 2022, with vocational registration obtained in 2023. He has a strong focus on medical dermatology, with particular interest in venous disease and its cutaneous manifestations. His training in Canada included hands-on experience with vascular specialists, developing skills in diagnostic and procedural techniques. He is now pursuing advanced phlebology training to deliver more comprehensive, cause-focused care for patients with complex vascular-related skin conditions.
Dr Lupe Taumopeau - Vascular Surgeon
Dr Lupe Taumoepeau is a vascular and endovascular surgeon and one of the new breed of surgeons who perform both open surgery and are dual-trained in the newer endovascular techniques. Dr Lupe studied medicine at Auckland’s medical school and is the only female Vascular and Endovascular surgeon in New Zealand. She is also the only Polynesian Vascular surgeon in the whole of Australasia. Dr Lupe was a house surgeon throughout hospitals in Auckland, followed by Vascular surgery training, which took her throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Prof. Neil Piller - Lymphologist, Director of Research
Neil is Director of the Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer and contributes to multiple advisory, editorial, and governance bodies. His research investigates compression accuracy, vibration therapy, and emerging treatments, alongside influential publications on lymphatics, patient perspectives, and care outcomes. He is a strong advocate for multidisciplinary, patient-centred approaches to lymphoedema management and improving clinical practice. In 2026, he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions.
Prof. Andre Van Riij - Vascular Surgeon
André van Rij is Professor of Surgery at the Dunedin School of Medicine University of Otago where he directs the Vascular Research Unit. His research has focused in venous disease and the biology of varicose vein recurrence and venous thrombosis. His translational research bridges new basic research into the venous clinic. Prof van Rij is a vascular surgeon and President of the NZ Association of General Surgeons.
Monika Samolyk - Wound Care Consultant, Lymphology Consultant
Monika brings extensive clinical expertise and a systems-level perspective to healthcare governance, with professional experience across critical care, community, primary care, and aged care settings. Her work spans service integration, quality improvement, and regional health equity. Over a 15-year regional consultancy role, she partnered with 11 health services across regional Victoria, Australia, supporting workforce capability, clinical governance, and system responses to complex wounds, pressure injury prevention, and chronic disease. She founded an early intervention vascular diagnostic clinic and is currently completing research evaluating its outcomes.
Josie Whittaker - Vascular Sonographer
Josie Whittaker is a Vascular Sonographer originally from the UK, where she developed her expertise through a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Ultrasound, both completed in Sheffield. She further specialised by training as an accredited vascular scientist with The Society of Vascular Technologists, bringing a high level of technical knowledge and clinical rigour to her work.
Driven by a genuine passion for vascular ultrasound, Josie is motivated by the tangible difference she can make in patients' lives. She takes a comprehensive approach at the Cosmetic & Veins Clinic, engaging across the full patient pathway from initial diagnosis and treatment planning through to final outcomes, ensuring each patient receives attentive, expert care at every stage of their journey.
Carmen Franz - Podiatrist
Carmen Franz is an experienced Podiatrist with a background spanning a wide range of clinical settings, bringing particular expertise in public health and high-risk foot care. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional, personalised treatment for complex patients, combining a meticulous attention to detail with a genuinely patient-centred approach.
Carmen's practice is grounded in evidence-based care, with a focus on improving quality of life and achieving meaningful outcomes for every patient. As a qualified lower-limb lymphoedema practitioner, she is equipped to manage and support patients with complex, multifaceted conditions, ensuring a high standard of care across all aspects of lower-limb health.
Beyond her clinical work, Carmen is committed to advancing the profession through education, contributing to a postgraduate wound care programme focused on promoting evidence-based and accessible wound care practices.
Natalie E West - Integrative Psychotherapist
Natalie E. West is an Integrative Psychotherapist and International Speaker with over 25 years of experience in mental and metabolic health. Specialising in the mind-gut connection, Natalie has developed unique protocols that address the root causes of poor self-image, anxiety, depression, addiction, disordered eating, and thought disorders, going beyond symptom management to create lasting change.
Her approach equips clients with practical tools to build healthier relationships with themselves, supporting growth across both personal and professional dimensions. Recognised as a leading authority in her field, Natalie is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives and step into their full potential.
Yana Parsi - Vascular Sonographer
Yana Parsi is a highly experienced Vascular Sonographer and Practice Manager with over 20 years’ expertise in diagnostic ultrasound, phlebology, vascular imaging and medical practice operations. She has worked across leading vascular clinics and laboratories, with specialist experience in venous insufficiency, vascular malformations and minimally invasive vein treatment support.
Alongside her clinical work, Yana is recognised for her contribution to training, professional education and conference presentations through the Australasian College of Phlebology. She is also Director of Education for Essential Need, supporting global health education and clean water initiatives.
Passionate about patient-centred care, clinical excellence and medical education, Yana brings a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership and compassion to every aspect of her work.