“I have been a patient of Torbay Medical Centre for many years and have been very happy with the attention I have received. I have found the staff there to be so helpful and caring.”
Phyl Petchel.
Dr David Thompson - Partner
I have been in general practice for more than 30 years. I hope to bring that experience to the care of my patients. As a GP I have the privilege of being part of the lives of our patients and their families, helping where I can, sharing in their challenges and aspirations. I have extensive experience in tropical/travel medicine. I love seeing both older people and children in my practice, and while providing quality care, it is important to me that their experience be a positive one. When I get free time, I love mountain-biking, climbing, and being ‘Bob the Builder’! I have a wonderful, understanding wife and 2 daughters.
Dr Jess Joung - Partner
I am an Otago graduate, a Fellow of Royal NZ College of GP, a mum of two school-aged girls, and have been practicing medicine for over 15 years. I am passionate about medicine and hold Postgraduate certification in Travel Medicine, Skin Cancer and never stop expanding my knowledge. I love developing close working relationships with patients. I speak fluent English and Korean. I have a huge passion for children and adolescents’ education and a currently the chairperson of BOT of Harbour Montessori College in Albany.
Dr Rebecca Higgins - Partner
I grew up in Auckland and graduated from the University of Auckland School of Medicine in 2010. I am a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners with a post graduate diploma in Paediatrics. My medical interests include paediatric and adolescent medicine. I am a mother and step mother to three girls and in my free time loves to spend time with family, enjoy a coffee with friends and travel.
Dr Michael Leong - Associate
Originally from Malaysia, I have been living in NZ for the past 15 years. Since graduated from Medical School of Auckland University in 2007 i had the experiences of working at various general hospitals in Auckland region until 2017. I was mostly worked as a medical registrar across various medical specialties of cardiology, respiratory, renal, gastroenterology, geriatrics and internal medicine. I then joined the Royal college of NZGP since 2019 and currently working towards being the fellowship. I thoroughly enjoyed working as GP in the community, especially being able to provide the continuity of chronic care of our expanding elderly population in North shore. I live locally at north shore with my families and 2 young childrens. I am able to communicate with patients in Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Malay language. Outside work, I love to travel and exploring new various type of foods around Auckland.
Dr Clare Dudding - Partner
I have been a partner at Torbay Medical Centre since 1993 and am proud to be part of a well-respected, modern general practice. I enjoy all aspects of family medicine and take great heart in having enduring relationships with my patients, in particular the care of women and children. I love all theatre – ballet, music, plays and movies. Being outdoors and regular exercise are an essential part of my life. I have three wonderful children and I love to travel.
Dr Lynda Thwaites - Partner
I have been a GP for 16 years and am a partner of Torbay Medical Centre and Torbay Skin. I am passionate about skin cancer medicine and surgery. I believe in the value of ongoing study and skill development. My outside interests include spending time with family and friends. I love to travel, cook and I am a keen free diver.
Dr Sunee Kim - Associate
After graduating Otago Medical School, with a background BSc degree in reproductive anatomy, I went on to practice medicine in Auckland hospitals and community clinics. I enjoy General Practice as it supports continuity of care and shared decision making with patients. As a mother of a school aged son with eczema, asthma and other allergies, I have been drawn to immunology and completed Postgraduate Certificate in Allergic Disease. Outside of work, I teach Sunday school, enjoy camping, travelling and all the special moments with my family.
Dr Kristina Panzic - Associate
(currently on Maternity Leave)
I have worked as a doctor in the greater Auckland area for the last five years, most recently in general practices in both South and Central Auckland. I am excited to now be part of Torbay Medical Centre team. I have strong interest in chronic care management and palliative care, having spent 6 months working at Hospice North Shore in 2015 and completing my diploma. Outside work my main interest is music, mainly in the form of barbershop (a cappella) singing.
Our Practice
Torbay Medical Centre, founded in 1989 by Dr John Pollock, strives to be at the heart of a growing community and has now grown to cover Long Bay community. Torbay and Long Bay Medical have 9 General Practitioners along with a dedicated team of nurses, healthcare assistants and administration staff. We are committed to continue a long tradition of excellence.
Our focus is upholding genuine, caring, supportive relationships with our patients. We have a long-standing history with many of our families being cared for throughout generations. This helps to provide continuity of care and gives a level of understanding that can only come with a long association. We look forward to building such relationships with our new patients.
We aim to meet the needs of the community through improved access to care for our patients.