Meet the Psychiatrists and Doctors
Our consultant Psychiatrists and Doctors offer a depth of clinical expertise and experience in treating a wide range of mental health and addiction conditions.
Their work is guided by a compassionate, patient-first approach that prioritises dignity and respect.
Each member of the team is committed to providing thoughtful, professional care, supporting individuals through every stage of their mental health or addiction recovery.
Dr Samir Ibrahim, OAM
M.B.CH.B., MASTER PSYCH, MATER PORG PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY, FRANZCP, APA FELLOW
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Samir Ibrahim OAM is an internationally recognized psychiatrist whose career spans clinical practice, academic research, and community leadership across four continents.
With extensive qualifications in psychiatry and psychopharmacology, Dr Ibrahim’s expertise includes innovative approaches to mood and anxiety disorders, psychogeriatrics, and neurostimulatory treatments.
Leadership and Recognition
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding contributions to psychiatry and cultural advocacy, Dr Ibrahim is a Fellow of both the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the American Psychiatric Association. Internationally, he has served as secretary and co-chair of the Family Section of the World Psychiatric Association since 2014, helping direct policy and advance family-centred mental health care.
Special Interests and Services
At Fullarton Clinic, Dr Ibrahim consults in general adult psychiatry (up to 60 years), rTMS, ECT, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, and psychosis. His program leadership in rTMS ensures that patients benefit from the latest research-backed treatments, individualizing care for complex and refractory conditions. Dr Ibrahim is leading the rTMS program at Fullarton Clinic and has a special interest in rTMS application in different psychiatric disorders.
Community Advocacy
Dr Ibrahim is celebrated for his service to the Australian-Egyptian community and for promoting culturally sensitive mental health support. He actively participates in community mental health outreach, advocating for improved access and awareness across diverse populations.
Dr Owais Sharif
MBBS, DPM, PGDipPsych, MRCPsych, FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Owais Sharif consults at Fullarton Clinic, offering thoughtful and evidence-based care grounded in extensive experience across both the UK and Australian mental health systems.
Dr Owais Sharif completed his psychiatry training in the UK and worked as a consultant Psychiatrist in the National Health Service before moving to Bendigo in 2018.
He specialises in General Adult and Old Age Psychiatry. His areas of clinical expertise include Memory Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Addictions, ADHD and pain management.
Dr Sharif also has extensive experience of providing medicolegal reports for the courts and insurance companies.
Special Interests: General Adult Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry, Memory Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Addictions, ADHD, and Pain Management.
Dr Shani Mallawaarachchi
MBBS MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Shani Mallawaarachchi is part of the Fullarton Clinic psychiatric team, bringing over a decade of experience and a warm, person-centred approach to adult mental health care.
Dr Shani Mallawaarachchi is an experienced consultant psychiatrist with over 13 years of expertise in adult mental health across Australia and Sri Lanka.
She is passionate about helping people with complex and chronic mental health challenges, using a warm, collaborative and evidence-based approach.
Shani is known for her ability to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where patients feel truly heard and supported. She works together with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that support long-term recovery and wellbeing.
Special Interests: Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Adult ADHD, Trauma-Related Conditions, and Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders.
Dr Luisa Fernandez
MBBS, MPM, FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Luisa Fernandez consults at Fullarton Clinic, delivering compassionate, tailored psychiatric care informed by broad clinical experience and a holistic view of mental wellbeing.
Dr Fernandez works with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, including Anxiety, Mood, and Psychotic Disorders.
She has a special interest in perinatal mental health and the assessment and management of ADHD. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Dr Fernandez currently holds a public appointment at Northern Health and has extensive experience across major Melbourne hospitals, including Eastern Health, Peninsula Health, St Vincent’s, and Monash Health. This broad clinical background underpins her holistic and evidence-based approach, which combines medication and psychological therapies while also considering the role of lifestyle, nutrition, and the gut–brain connection in mental wellbeing.
She is passionate about providing care that is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. Dr Fernandez strives to create a safe and supportive space where patients feel heard and understood, and she works closely with GPs, Psychologists, and other health professionals to develop individualised treatment plans that align with each person’s goals for recovery and wellbeing.
Special Interests: Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Perinatal Mental Health, Adult ADHD, Lifestyle Psychiatry, and Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellbeing.