OUR DOCTORS AND NURSES
Dr Geoffrey Thomas
BSc(Hons), MBBS(Hons), Dip Obs, Dip Av Med, FACRRM
GP Registrar Supervisor
* NOW RETIRED *
Dr Geoff Thomas is the founder of Sapphire Clinic, which has been providing comprehensive, patient-focused care to the local community for over 20 years. His vision has shaped the practice into a well-established and highly regarded rural training environment.
Before settling in Merimbula, Geoff spent 7 years in hospital training followed by 8 years with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where he worked as a rural practitioner delivering care across diverse and often remote settings. This breadth of experience underpins his calm, practical, and highly adaptable approach to medicine.
His clinical background spans paediatrics, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, Aboriginal health, and aviation medicine. He has particular interests in diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle medicine, and is accredited to perform aviation medicals.
Geoff is an experienced supervisor for both RACGP and ACRRM registrars and has been recognised with a teaching excellence award from the Australian National University for his contribution to medical student education. He is known for sharing practical wisdom gained over a long career and supporting registrars to think critically and develop their own clinical style.
As Dr Thomas prepares for his upcoming retirement, we acknowledge his remarkable contribution to the community and the lasting impact he has had on both patients and the next generation of doctors. Geoff is working closely with the team to ensure a smooth transition of care for his patients.
Dr Pukar Thapa
FRACGP, DCH, MBBS
Practice Principal
Dr Pukar Thapa is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and has been actively serving the Bega Valley community since he moved in 2017. He is experienced in providing holistic care and enjoys working in partnership with patients and their families.
Areas of interest:
- Skin checks
- Preventative medicine
- Chronic disease management
- Diabetes management
In his spare time, Dr. Thapa enjoys spending time with his family, playing/watching soccer, music and travelling.
Dr Catherine Ng
We are delighted to welcome Dr Catherine Ng, who will be joining our practice in February as part of her general practice training.
Dr Ng brings with her a broad and valuable range of clinical experience, having worked across emergency medicine, intensive care, general medicine as well as general surgery and orthopaedic surgery, and psychiatry. This diverse background supports her strong commitment to delivering holistic, patient-centred care.
Her clinical interests include mental health, preventive health care, skin health, and emergency medicine, and she is passionate about working collaboratively with patients and the healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes.
She is eager to continue developing her skills under the guidance of our experienced doctors and is looking forward to contributing to the compassionate, high-quality care we provide to our community.
Outside of medicine, Dr Ng enjoys weightlifting, reading, and supporting animal welfare.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr Ng to the practice—we are very pleased to have her as part of our team.
Leanne
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Leanne, our practice nurse, was born and raised right here in the Bega Valley and is a proud member of our community. With over 40 years of experience in general practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to our team. Leanne’s extensive background in patient care and her deep understanding of local healthcare needs make her an invaluable asset to Sapphire Clinic.
Known for her enthusiastic and cheerful nature, Leanne is always eager to support our doctors and provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients. Whether assisting with procedures, managing patient care plans, or simply offering a friendly smile, she is dedicated to ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and well-cared for. Leanne’s passion for nursing and commitment to her role are evident in everything she does.
We are thrilled to have a true local like Leanne on our team and know that her dedication and approachable personality will continue to make a positive impact on our patients and the broader community.
Jing
Registered Nurse
We are excited to welcome Jing to the team as our new practice nurse!
