Meet our Team
DR KIRSHNI APPANNA graduated in 1991 at the University of Natal, South Africa. She completed her internship at Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town and worked in Paediatrics both in Cape Town & Durban during which time she completed her Diploma in Paediatrics. After visiting New Zealand in 1993 on a working holiday, she made the move in 1996 to join the rest of her family who had been living here for over 10 years. Kirshni worked as a locum Doctor at Five Cross Roads Medical Centre and surrounding practices for 2 years, before she established herself as a partner in 1998. She has a special interest in woman and children’s health and is extremely passionate about skin. She completed University of Queensland Primary Certificate in Skin Cancer & Primary Certificate in Dermoscopy. She has a longstanding interest in Cosmetic Medicine and is a member of senior education faculty of of The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM). She shares her time between GP & her cosmetic clinic Jeunesse MedSpa. She has recently launched a health podcast – Medicine in the Mirror
DR JEFFREY CHEN is enthusiastic about his work as a family doctor; he joined the Five Cross Roads Medical team in 2012. He graduated from University of Otago Medical School in 2004. His 4½ years experience in Waikato Hospital helps him to advocate for his current primary care patients when hospital care is required. After his around-the-world trip in 2008, he discovered his passion in General Practice and aims to provide holistic care for patients. As a General Practitioner, he has further developed special interests in Sports Medicine, Men’s health and Minor Surgery. He took postgraduate study in Sports Medicine in 2010 and is interested in sports or accident related injuries, and also musculoskeletal disorders. As he has background of working in the Urology Team at Waikato Hospital, he is passionate about promoting Men’s Health. One of his specialties is Minor Surgery, including skin lesion excisions, which can be performed in the clinic.
DR MONALI DAROLE originally trained in Mumbai, India and has over 17 years experience as a General Practitioner in India, Australia and New Zealand. Monali has been in the Waikato for the last 10 years locuming at various medical practices including urban and rural from Thames to Raglan. Monali loves all aspects of general practice with special interest in Minor Surgery, Mental Health, preventative care and Paediatrics.
DR HENA MAHAL grew up in India and worked in various multi-specialty hospitals and medical clinics before moving in 2005 to work at Waikato Hospital. She moved into General Practice in 2009 and has worked at practices around the Waikato (until she chose the best practice in the Waikato – Five Cross Roads Medical Centre!). Dr Hena loves all aspects of General Practice especially the continuity of care. She is working towards a Diploma in Sports & Exercise Medicine, and is a medical educator for the NZ College of GP’s Education programme. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and has a passion for travel and art.
DR CHIN CHEN moved to New Zealand from Malaysia. He graduated from University of Auckland in 2014 and went on to work in Waikato Hospital in various medical and surgical specialties before moving onto General Practice. Dr Chin loves all aspects of General practice and really enjoys meeting people from all aspects of life. He has a special interest in Skin Cancer Medicine; and has completed a Certificate of Dermoscopy from the Skin Cancer College Australasia. He is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese & Malay. When not working, he is a devoted husband and dad you could sometimes find him on the badminton court, sweating off a day’s hard work.
DR ALISON HAMILTON
NURSING TEAM: Five Cross Roads Medical Centre is extremely fortunate to have a team of Practice Nurses Charlotte, Sarah-Mae, Yvonne, & Diane who together have over 40 years of practical nursing knowledge and experience. They work by appointments which can be made via reception staff independent of Doctors appointments. As well as providing support to our Doctors they also provide a range of clinical services to help maintain your health.
ADMINISTRATION STAFF: Behind every great Medical Centre is an even better Administration team. The team at Five Cross Roads Medical Centre are always welcoming, and ready to make your visit to our medical centre as smooth as possible.
Fiona our Business Manager is an amazing team leader who organises and inspires our entire team of Doctors, Practice Nurses & Administration staff. She has been a Business Manager in Hamilton for 17 years and has over 19 years experience in the health sector within the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. She is an active member of the Practice Managers and Administrators Association of New Zealand (PMAANZ) an organisation that promotes excellence in practice management in the health care sector by supporting members through professional development, networking and peer support. She is our key point of contact if you have an issues that you would like to discuss.
Receptionists & Medical Centre Assistants Our friendly staff who are your first point of contact include Sue, Kim, Catherine, Celeste, & Helen. We are proud to have amazing Reception & Medical Centre Assistant teams. Our staff offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Please feel free to ask for help and guidance when calling or visiting.