About Us
Dedicated Professionals Bringing World-Class Research to Newcastle
Our dynamic team of investigative doctors brings together specialists across pain medicine, neuromodulation, rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, dermatology, gastroenterology, and hepatology.
Our coordinators are highly trained trial specialists with diverse backgrounds in nursing, midwifery, gastroenterology, hepatology, and pharmacy, ensuring high-quality trial delivery and participant care.
Committed to their vital roles in the clinical trials industry, our support staff includes roles across governance, quality, pharmacy, recruitment, and medical writing, with additional research nurses available to scale as needed.
Investigators
Medical Director / Pain Specialist
MBBS, DA(UK), FANZCA, FFPMANZCA
About
Dr Russo is a globally recognised Pain Medicine Physician who believes that clinical diligence, early intervention, education and research in the field of pain management are integral to successfully treating patients suffering from chronic persistent pain.
Dr Russo completed two successful world first spinal cord stimulator device implantations in Newcastle Australia in 2011, establishing him as a leader in his field. Dr Russo has been involved in over 80 clinical trials and published over 100 journal articles. Dr Russo participates in both pharmaceutical and medical device trials (SCS). His primary research areas are Neuropathic Pain (CRPS, PDN, PHN), Chronic Pain (Back, Neck & Limbs), Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, Osteoarthritis and Vaccine studies.
Pain Specialist / Anaesthetist
MBChB, FCA (SA), FANZCA, FFPMANZCA
About
Dr Volschenk is a dual qualified Anaesthetist and Specialist Pain Management Physician from South Africa. He speaks 2 languages; English and Afrikaans. He is passionate about clinical education as a local GP educator and trainer for Fellows of Pain Medicine.
Dr Volschenk commenced working with the Genesis team in 2015 working on device and pharmaceutical studies for people suffering chronic pain as both a study investigator and Anaesthetist for our surgical procedures. His primary research interests are in neuropathic pain conditions and spinal pain.
Dr Cillian Suiter
Pain Specialist / Anaesthetist
FFPMCAI, FCAI, FFPMANZCA, FANZCA, FIPP, MSC
About
Dr Suiter is a Pain Specialist and Anaesthetist who joined the Genesis team in 2022. He is passionate about research, specifically new innovations in pain medicine, neuromodulation, and cancer pain management. Dr Suiter believes pain medicine is an exciting area and aspires to be a future leader. He is interested in international collaboration to expand the knowledge of this relatively new field of medicine.
Dr Suiter has also travelled and gained medical work experience in numerous countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Canada, and Ireland. He has taught as a faculty member on medical training courses in Ireland and Malawi to provide medical support to local hospitals and is a qualified American Trauma Life Support (ATLS) instructor.
Outside of medicine, Dr Suiter enjoys surfing and exploring the beautiful local beaches.
Dr Deon Smith
General Practitioner
MBChB, FRACGP
About
Dr Deon Smith recently joined the Genesis team from Melbourne, bringing over 30 years of clinical trials experience. Prior to working in clinical trials, he worked as a General Practitioner in his native South Africa, Australia, and Ireland, across diverse settings such as emergency and orthopaedic care, rural and remote practice, prisoner medical care, urban general practice, and education for medical students and registrars. He served as an examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practice for 20 years.
Deon’s interest in clinical trials developed from a need to be involved in the development of potentially more effective treatments and preventative measures. Being a GP allows Deon to be involved in trials in various fields, including rheumatology, endocrinology, cardiovascular disease, dermatology, urology, haematology, neurology, weight loss, and vaccines. He found it exciting to be at the forefront of clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deon is a part-time stamp dealer, a traveller, avid reader, and sports fan.
Dr Aidan McParland
Provisional Fellow Pain Medicine
MD, MSC, FRCP(C), FPM
About
Dr Aidan McParland is a Canadian-trained pain and emergency physician. He holds a Master’s in Chronic Pain Neurobiology and completed medical training at the University of Toronto, followed by FRCPC certification in Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He is currently a Provisional Fellow in Pain Medicine and is undertaking advanced neuromodulation training with Hunter Pain Specialists.
Dr McParland’s initial work in pain led to award-winning research in neurogenetics and chronic pain. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, and his research has been recognised with national awards from the Canadian Pain Society and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Outside of clinical work, he was formerly a high-level soccer player and has worked closely with Surfing Medicine International, the World Surf League, and the Olympic Committee on concussion protocol development.
Dr Dominic Barnes
General Practitioner
MBBS, MMedSc (Drug Development), MBA
About
Dr Dominic Barnes is an Australian-trained General Practitioner with over 40 years of experience in all aspects of family practice in Queensland and New South Wales. He brings nearly three decades of experience in the global pharmaceutical and clinical research industries in a variety of medical and commercial roles.
Dr Barnes clinical research experience includes serving as a medical monitor, medical advisor, and in medical affairs roles across Phase I–IV studies in a wide range of therapeutic areas, including ophthalmology, endocrinology, psychiatry, urology, oncology, haematology, cardiology, nephrology, and more. He was born and raised in Papua New Guinea and enjoys bushwalking, birding, keeping fit, and gardening.
Dr Lay Gan
Gastroenterologist
MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD
About
Dr Gan is a Clinical Gastroenterologist who practices in General Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She has a keen interest in metabolic steatotic liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease, and is experienced in management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other areas of general gastroenterology.
Due to her interest in research, Dr Gan went to the Australian National University in Canberra where she earned a PhD on her thesis in Mechanistic Studies of Cholesterol Lipotoxicity pertinent to NASH. She is principal investigator for several clinical trials in metabolic fatty liver, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). She takes pride in her holistic patient-centred care, ensuring patients are actively involved in their care and decision processes.
Dr Robert Gibson
Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Dip AppSc. B.Med, FRACP
About
Dr Gibson is a Clinical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with a special interest in diseases of the liver. In addition to his medical duties, Dr Gibson is the Coordinator and Chair of the Complex Liver Disease Multidisciplinary Group, and a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of Newcastle (School of Medicine and Public Health).
Dr Gibson has been involved in numerous multicentre clinical trials. He joins our team of investigators to conduct trials on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and more. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking and long bush walks. He considers himself a keen chef and enjoys entertaining.
Dr Alkesh Zala
Gastroenterologist
MBBS, FRACP
About
Dr Zala is a Specialist Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with expertise in managing a range of complex gastrointestinal disorders. His special interests include inflammatory bowel disease, oesophageal diseases, liver disease, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and bowel cancer screening. Dr Zala joins Genesis Research Services as a sub-investigator for a clinical trial evaluating a new investigational treatment for eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).
Dr Zala is also a Conjoint Associate Lecturer at the University of Newcastle and a Staff Specialist at John Hunter Hospital, where he trains and mentors medical students, nursing staff, and junior doctors. He has also contributed research to numerous world-leading gastroenterology and hepatology journals. He holds a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and is committed to providing holistic, patient-centred care, ensuring comprehensive treatment for those with chronic and complex conditions.
Dr John Van Der Kallen
Rheumatologist
MBBS, FRACP
About
Dr Van Der Kallen is a leading Rheumatologist in Newcastle with a passion for climate change activism. He speaks 2 languages; English and Dutch. Between his clinical practice and work as a conjoint lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Dr Van Der Kallen runs his own tree plantation and biodiversity project in Northern NSW. He also chairs the NSW branch of Doctors for the Environment Australia, addressing environmental deterioration and the effects on our health.
Involved in research projects since 2007, Dr Van Der Kallen’s primary research interests are in musculoskeletal disease, osteoporosis and Rheumatology. He has worked with the Genesis team since 2016 on a number of Pharmaceutical studies, expanding our ability to be involved in Rheumatological advances.
Dr Paul Mansfield
Rheumatologist
MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA
About
Dr Mansfield is a local Rheumatologist with a background in Immunology. He joined the investigative research team at Genesis in 2020 to be more involved in clinical developments.
Dr Mansfield is fascinated by the immune system and actively seeks to assist people living with a range of rheumatological conditions to have a higher quality of life. He is passionate about giving people greater treatment options and keeping up to date with new therapies. Outside of medicine, Dr Mansfield enjoys being active and playing tennis. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team.
Dr Richard Verheul
Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, FRACS
About
Dr Verheul is a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, working exclusively in knee surgery. When he is not working at his clinic in Lake Macquarie or in surgery, Dr Verheul can be found getting his hands dirty at his farm in Port Stephens. Dr Verheul has travelled through Asia volunteering to teach arthroscopy and joint replacement surgery to local doctors. He also speaks two languages, English and Dutch.
As one of the most productive knee surgeons in Australia, we are fortunate to have Dr Verheul commencing work with us at Genesis. His primary research interests are improvements to surgical procedures and outcomes for knee surgery patients.
Research Team
Meaghan Weeks
Research Manager / Nurse Unit Manager
About
Meaghan is a Registered Nurse with over 7 years of experience. Meaghan started her career in Anaesthetics and Recovery, eventually moving across to Urgent Care and ED work whilst still practicing in surgical theatres. She has worked across Newcastle in many different hospitals and enjoys the variety that nursing brings.
Meaghan is currently NUM of Infusion Central in Broadmeadow, as well as Research Manager at Genesis Research Services. She is passionate about her team and her patients, and very excited to be working in the clinical trials sector.
Meaghan is married and has one child, who is 3.5 years old. She enjoys getting out on the weekends with her family and friends to go camping, riding, and being outdoors.
Amy North
Business and Governance Manager
About
Amy first joined the Genesis team as a Research Services Administration Coordinator. Her strong desire to challenge herself and grow her extensive research administration skill set saw her take on the additional roles of Quality Coordinator and Research Governance Officer. Amy has a Diploma in Business Administration as well as management experience and is going to commence further education and training in her new roles.
Amy plays a vital role in supporting our investigators and research team. Her passion for helping people is apparent to everyone who meets her. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends as often as she can.
Caitlin Goodacre
Site Operations Manager
About
Caitlin originally joined the Genesis team as a Research Administrative Assistant. Due to her exceptional performance in managing our social media, overseeing recruitment services, and handling various business development tasks, she has been promoted to Office and Marketing Manager. Caitlin has a Certificate IV in Nutrition and is passionate about further upskilling her knowledge in health and wellness. She also has a Diploma in Events Management, which she utilises in her day to day life to achieve effective planning and communication.
Caitlin has a strong desire to help others and is driven to help make a difference in helping patients with potential new treatments. Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys exercising and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.
Richelle Soleil
Clinical Trial Coordinator
About
Richelle is a Clinical Trial Coordinator and an experienced Registered Midwife. She has worked for over eight years within the maternity sector, including working at the Hunter Medical Research Institute for three years as a Research Midwife on a large pregnancy study.
Richelle has worked in all areas of maternity and has a wide array of midwifery knowledge. She Always works with dedication, compassion, a high level of technical skill, and attention to detail. Richelle is passionate about evidence-based practice and providing culturally safe and inclusive care for all research participants. She is a mother of two teenage boys, and enjoys yoga, trail running, swimming, and going on adventures.
Melissa Young
Clinical Trial Coordinator
About
Mel has worked for over 17 years as a Clinical Trial Coordinator in the fields of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and infectious diseases. She has worked in numerous roles in NSW Health, including 23 years as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse in Gastroenterology / Hepatology, Clinical Governance as a Project Officer, and multiple working parties.
Mel says that working in clinical research gives her an opportunity to interact with people and help make a real difference to people’s lives by being involved in the processes of finding new treatments. She has a keen interest in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
She is a mother to two adult children and outside of work she likes to keep busy in the garden growing succulents, renovating, crafting, and spending time with family.
Kerry Fleming
Clinical Trial Coordinator
About
Kerry is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience. She has an extensive clinical background in Intensive Care and experience working in the community in a dialysis clinic. She has also worked as a Clinical Nurse Educator in Primary Health Care in Tasmania.
During her nursing career, Kerry has contributed to several research projects. Most recently, she was a Diabetes Research Nurse for the Primary Health Network Diabetes Alliance, partnering with the University of Newcastle and HMRI, and worked as an Endocrine Nurse conducting Dynamic Endocrine Testing.
Kerry enjoys the attention to detail required in clinical research, the opportunity to work in a field focused on finding new treatments, and the ability to interact with trial participants in a holistic manner. Outside of work, Kerry is a mother of two adult children and enjoys nature, reading, and meditation.
Dr Mahdokht Jouiaei
Clinical Research Pharmacist / Clinical Trial Coordinator
About
Mahdokht is a registered pharmacist and a researcher with a PhD. Originally from Iran, she completed her PharmD. In 2013, she was awarded with the University of Queensland International Scholarship, enabling her to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry / Pharmacology, focusing on discovering lead pharmaceutical compounds from animal venoms. Following her doctoral studies, she worked in retail and compounding pharmacies, gaining valuable experience educating patients on health promotion, disease prevention, and proper use of medicines. During this time, she obtained her general pharmacist registration.
Driven by her passion for pioneering treatment solutions, Mahdokht actively engages in clinical research, leveraging her technical skills and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare. Outside of work, she cherishes quality time with her family and enjoys formulating organic skincare and haircare products.
Hayley Jones
Clinical Trial Coordinator / Pharmacist
About
Hayley is a clinical research pharmacist and trial coordinator with extensive experience across community pharmacy practice. She has worked as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager in community pharmacies, developing a strong foundation in patient care, medication management, and pharmacy operations.
Passionate about advancing the role of pharmacists within healthcare, Hayley is a member of the first cohort to complete a Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing and Advanced Practice at the University of Newcastle. She has also been actively involved in clinical trials, supporting the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in Australia, contributing to the development and evaluation of new models of pharmacist-led care and healthcare collaboration.
In her current role, Hayley combines her pharmacy expertise with her interest in clinical research and trial coordination to support the delivery of high-quality research and contribute to the advancement of innovative healthcare practices. Outside of work, Hayley enjoys cooking, baking, sewing, and keeping active through various sports.
Melinda Huber
Financial Administration and Research Assistant
About
Mel is our financial administrator. She brings with her a vibrant personality, an extensive banking and financial background, and the skills to support a high level of quality customer service. Mel’s role includes maintaining the integrity of our accounting and financial reporting, while not limited to aiding in all financial aspects of the business.
With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Mel navigates the complexities of financial management to drive sustainable growth and success for our organisation. Outside of work, she enjoys baking cakes, taking photos, and quality time with her family.
Dr Danielle Santarelli
Medical Writer / Researcher
About
Danielle is a medical writer and researcher with a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours) and a PhD in Molecular Neurobiology / Experimental Pharmacology from The University of Newcastle. Since completing her thesis by publication and leaving the laboratory, she has worked alongside Dr Marc Russo at Genesis Research Services performing patient data analysis and publishing journal articles.
Danielle operates as a consultant medical writer for specialist physicians around the world and is a published author on over 35 journal articles. She also produces educational content for patients and research professionals, and assists with the development of protocols for our investigator-initiated studies. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, sewing, and other crafts.