Women's health

Seeing a female GP in Port Stephens

Plenty of people would simply rather see a woman, for a cervical screening test, a breast check, a conversation about periods or menopause, or for no particular reason at all. You do not need to explain why. You just need to know how to book it.

Published 2 October 20264 min readGeneral information

Women's health — Salamander Bay Doctors

The short version

Five female GPs work at Salamander Bay Doctors, and you can choose any of them by name when you book.
On HotDoc you choose the doctor first, so you can see who is available before you pick a time.
If you ring, say you would like a female GP. Reception will offer whoever is available.
You can ask for a chaperone at any appointment, with any doctor, at any point.

Choosing who you see is a reasonable thing to want, and it is one of the simplest requests a practice gets. Here is how to make sure it happens.

Who you can ask for

The female GPs at Salamander Bay Doctors are Dr Kaliane Silva Fraife, Dr Somaya Elsheikh, Dr Marie Shieh, Dr Mehrnaz Samet and Dr Edah V Obligado. Each of them sees patients of all ages for the full range of general practice, and several have a special interest in women's health. Their profiles, interests and languages are on the Our Team page.

How to book one

Online: on HotDoc, choose the doctor first and then the time. It shows you who has appointments that day.
By phone: ring (02) 4008 4400 and say you would like to see a female GP. If your usual doctor is booked out, reception can offer another.
On the day: if you would prefer a woman for a particular examination, say so at the desk. It is never an unusual request.

A chaperone, whoever you see

For any intimate or sensitive examination you can ask for a chaperone to be in the room, and you can bring someone you trust with you instead. Your GP explains what an examination involves before it starts, and you can ask to stop at any point.

Seeing the same doctor helps. If you find a GP you are comfortable with, booking them again means your history does not need retelling, and they get to know what is normal for you.

Questions we get asked

Do I have to say why I want a female GP?

No. Just ask, online or on the phone.

Can men see a female GP?

Yes. Every GP here sees patients of all genders.

Are female GPs bulk billed?

Every GP at the practice bulk bills on weekdays for patients with a valid Medicare card. Weekend arrangements differ, so check with reception.

General information only. This article is general health information for people in the Port Stephens area. It is not advice about your individual situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call us on (02) 4008 4400. In an emergency, call 000.