BMI - Christchurch Weight loss surgeons, exercise trainer, clinical psychologist, Respiratory and Sleep Physicians, Nutritionist, womens health, doctor

Frances Carter PhD, Dip Clin Psych

Dr. Carter has worked with disordered eating for 15 years. Her published papers include: the effectiveness of psychological interventions for disordered eating, the effect of depression on weight, the impact of disordered eating on weight and interpersonal functioning, and the impact of childhood obesity prevention programs on psychological functioning. She is a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists and the Otago University Obesity Research Consortium.

Anna Fenton BHB, MBChB, CCD, PhD FRACP

Anna is an endocrinologist with a specialty interest in women's health. She trained in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. Her interests include the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopause, PMS and metabolic bone disease.

Mr. Richard Flint MBChB PhD FRACS

Richard is a graduate of the Christchurch surgical training program and has worked in Boston (Harvard Fellow in Obesity Surgery, Brigham and Womens Hospital) and New York (Surgical Oncology Fellow, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). He joined SOS in 2009 and is pleased to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Yvonne Epton TBA

Yvonne trained as a Respiratory Technologist in Christchurch before completing full Sleep Technologist training in Perth where she worked as Charge Sleep Technologist at the St John of God Respiratory and Sleep Centre. She has extensive experience in Sleep Diagnostics and CPAP provision.

Dr. Mike Hlavac FRACP, PhD

Dr. Michael Hlavac is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician. He completed advanced training in Respiratory Medicine at Christchurch Hospital before spending 3 years at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health in where he acquired full FRACP Level 2 Sleep Training and completed his PhD in sleep and respiratory physiology. He is currently Clinical Director of Sleep Services at Christchurch Hospital.

Dr. Mike Epton PhD

Dr. Mike Epton is a Respiratory Physician. Mike trained as a Respiratory Physician in Christchurch and subsequently completed a PhD in Perth, Western Australia. He is now Director of the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group and the Clinical Director of Respiratory Services at Christchurch Hospital.

Dr. Richard Laing TBA

Dr. Richard Laing is a Respiratory Physician. After completing Respiratory training at Christchurch Hospital, Richard gained further experience in Sleep Medicine whilst working in Auckland and Toronto.

Dr. Howard Klein M.D. FRACS, FRCSC, FACS

A fellow of the Royal Australasian, Canadian and American College of Surgeons, and with over twenty years experience Dr. Klein is a well respected consultant surgeon at numerous public and private hospitals, and is an active member of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

Vanessa Warren ExSc, REPS, Level 3 NZIHF

Vanessa Warren brings a wealth of fitness expertise and knowledge to the BMI group. Vanessa has worked in the fitness industry for 18 years, both in New Zealand and overseas. She is passionate about helping people achieve the best results possible and specialises in working with those people who have had gastric banding surgery.

Julie Leeper BCApSC, PGDipDiet. NZRD

Julie Leeper is a Registered Dietitian with 14 years experience. With an innovative and practical approach to promoting dietary change, Julie has extensive experience in group education and has published a recipe book called "NOSH - delicious & responsible eating". Julie has a special interest in food intolerance, (especially gluten intolerance) having been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease.

Meg Shannon BSc HUNT, PGDip Diet (distinction), NZRD

Meg is a Registered Dietitian with a background in research, and coordinating clinical studies and trials in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease. She specialises in diabetes, lipid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity and diets for weight loss surgery. Meg utilises research and clinical skills to promote healthy lifestyles through practical, and evidence based recommendations.

Clarice Hebblethwaite BSc Hons Nutrition & Dietetics

Clarice has experience both as chef and has been a practising dietitian for over 12 years. Working both in New Zealand and the UK in the public hospitals and in private practice, she brings her expertise to those people having gastric banding surgery. She has specialised skills in dietary needs before and after surgery to the gastrointestinal tract and in guiding people to achieve their weight loss goals.

Grant Coulter MB ChB, FRACS

Grant is a specialist surgeon with over 20 years experience. As well as being a foundation surgeon at SOS he works under the umbrella of Christchurch Surgical Associates based on the grounds of St George’s Hospital in Merivale.

Ross Roberts FRACS

Ross initially trained in Christchurch and has subsequently has both training and experience overseas. Ross is a foundation surgeon at SOS and has a particular interest and specialty skills in obesity surgery and sees an increasing role for minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Debbie Osborn RN

Debbie is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years experience specialising in gastro-intestinal disorders. Debbie’s focus in obesity surgery is that of educating and supporting her patients through their journey to weight loss.

Key People