Dr Sankoorikal embarked on his medical journey by obtaining his medical degree from Bangalore University in 1998. Following his relocation to Australia in 2001, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Medicine degree from the University of New South Wales in 2002. His early career saw him serving as a junior medical officer at both the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick and the Gosford District Hospital. In 2005, Dr Sankoorikal took a significant step in his career by joining the Hunter New England Basic Physicians Network in Newcastle. After completing his basic physician training in 2007, Dr. Sankoorikal pursued and completed Advanced General Medicine and Endocrine Training at John Hunter Hospital. His dedication and expertise were recognised in 2010 when he was admitted to the Royal Australian College of Physicians as an Endocrinologist. Currently, he holds a staff specialist position in the Department of Endocrinology at John Hunter Hospital and contributes his vast knowledge as a faculty member at the University of Newcastle.

Katie Wynne is a Clinical Endocrinologist and holds an Associate Professor appointment with the University of Newcastle. She graduated with a First-Class degree from Cambridge University UK, in 1996. She completed her medical degree at King’s College London in 1999 and then joined Imperial College London as a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Fellow, completing a PhD at the University of London in 2007. Her postdoctoral research in the field of appetite control continued as a National Institute for Health Research Clinical Lecturer. She moved to Newcastle in 2012 and is currently a Senior Staff Specialist in Endocrinology with a clinical interest in transgender health, antenatal medicine and obesity. She continues to research and publish in the field of endocrinology and metabolic health.

Sham is well known for implementing NSW Health award-winning Diabetes Alliance Program across Hunter New England Health District, which led to improved outcomes for several thousand people with diabetes. He is actively involved in Primary Care education in diabetes locally and internationally.

He trained in India, England and Scotland before settling here in Newcastle. He is a conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle and has published research articles widely. He is currently the Director of Endocrinology and Diabetes at John Hunter Hospital.

He has now relocated private consultation rooms from the Breast & Endocrine centre Gateshead to Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic at Kotara Specialist suites.

Sham offers consultations across all aspects of diabetes management, general endocrinology, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and bone disorders. 

His team includes Diabetes Educators Alison Wright and Gillian Dan, and Nurse Practitioner in diabetes, Michelle Kerr.

Dr Luu is an endocrinologist who has been working in the Newcastle Region for over 10 years.  She graduated from The University of Sydney in 2000 and obtained her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2010 with dual specialisation in endocrinology and general medicine.  She has been a staff specialist at John Hunter Hospital since 2010 and has been the Clinical Lead for the Diabetes Stream of Hunter New England Local Health District since 2016. 

She is a member of the Endocrine Society of Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society, Endocrine Society (USA), Australian and New Zealand Bone Mineral Society, Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand and Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society. 

Her areas of interest include diabetes, metabolic bone disorders, transgender health and general endocrinology.

Dr Damien Jackel graduated from the University of Newcastle medical school with the University Medal in 2005. Dr Jackel completed his specialist training as a General and Acute Care Physician in 2013, and works as a Staff Specialist in the General Medicine and Diabetes departments at John Hunter Hospital. Dr Jackel has a strong background in medical education and is the Director of General and Acute Care Medicine advanced training at John Hunter and Belmont Hospitals. Dr Jackel holds a Master in Public Health and has sat on the council of the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand for the last 7 years. 

Dr Jackel has broad interests within General Medicine including the care of complex patients with multiple medical conditions, preventing hospital admission, medication rationalisation, perioperative medicine, all with a strong focus on patient-centred care. Dr Jackel has deep interests in metabolic health providing all general diabetes care, along with assisting people who need help with weight management and managing their metabolic health risks.

Dr William Yu completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne in 2011, followed by comprehensive Physicians and Endocrinology Training at John Hunter Hospital. Over the past year, he has dedicated a significant portion of his practice to providing specialised diabetes and endocrinology care to individuals in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region, extending his services to more remote areas as well. His clinical experience spans several prestigious health networks, including the Austin Hospital in Victoria and the Central Coast network in Sydney.

Dr Yu's professional interests are deeply rooted in metabolic health, obesity management, and the integration of technology in healthcare. His diverse experience and commitment to advancing medical practices in these areas contribute significantly to his expertise and the quality of care he provides to his patients.

Allison is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Credentialed Diabetes Educator who graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2009 with honours.  Allison is passionate about providing people with individually tailored nutrition advice to achieve the best outcomes for their diabetes management. She specialises in carb counting, the management of gestational diabetes and patient-centred nutrition coaching for type 2 diabetes.

Allison also has special interests in digestive health, weight management and heart disease. She offers appointments for people under team care arrangements as well as private paying consultations.

Allison’s goal is to provide realistic and practical nutrition advice for people to improve their health without compromising the enjoyment of eating.

Alison is a clinical nurse consultant who has more than 20 years of experience working with people with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. She has a graduate certificate in Diabetes Education from Deakin University.

Alison can provide you with comprehensive and up to date education about management of Diabetes, and her special area of expertise include managing insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

Alison is working as a nurse consultant at John Hunter Hospital and joins our Diabetes team here on Fridays.

Ali has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, with over 10 of those specialising in diabetes education. 

She is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator with a special interest in diabetes and technology, Type 1 Diabetes and paediatric diabetes. 

She lives in the Dungog area and spends her time off, chasing the various animals on the property.