There are five registered osteopaths who practice at the Brunswick West Osteopathic Clinic and each has their own unique area of interest and focus. They are passionate about their occupation and take seriously their responsibilities to the patient. The practitioners have shown commitment to continued professional development by staying in touch with the latest clinical research and techniques.
After registering as an osteopath in 2003 Anna Merrett gained valuable experience working at several leading Melbourne osteopathic clinics. Prior to becoming an osteopath Anna worked as a massage therapist in a large Melbourne leisure center. This experience helped her to develop a finely tuned sense of touch which enables her to accurately assess, diagnose and treat the musculo-skeletal disorders that confront her each day. She enjoys treating the diverse range of conditions that present themselves at the Brunswick West Osteopathic Clinic. Anna finds it is a rewarding profession providing assistance and relief to those who have had difficulty in finding solutions to their problems.
Ben Guminski registered as an osteopath in 2002. His treatments are structurally orientated with a strong influence placed on exercise rehabilitation to gain maximum results. Ben also uses Dry needling as part of his treatment approach. Coming from a sporting background Ben has a keen interest in golf, running and keeping fit as well as the latest treatments to get you back on track. He has experience treating elite footballers, swimmers, golfers, runners, basketballers and more. Through treatment and rehabilitation Ben aims to restore and improve performance for both the elite athlete and the weekend warrior.
Leah Swindells registered as an Osteopath in 2007. Leah has been working full time at Brunswick West Osteopathic Clinic for several years now. Leah was a member of the Victorian Institute of Sport hockey programme for many years and through her participation in this sport rich environment, Leah gained valuable experience managing elite athletes. Leah is continually broadening her osteopathic scope and keeping up to date through participating in courses including: Matwork Pilates, Superficial Dry Needling, Patellofemoral Pain Rehabilitation, Taping and Obstetrics and Pain Management. Leah has as enthusiastic personality and enjoys a hands-on, structural approach while balancing treatment with post treatment care.
Pamela Karahalios is a registered osteopath who graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy). Her interest in the human body and passion for osteopathy began following her experience with injury having grown up playing competitive basketball. Utilising a predominantly structural approach to treatment, Pamela has a real enthusiasm for helping her patients overcome their pain and return to the activities they love by incorporating a wide range of treatment techniques and management strategies which address all aspects of your health. Some of Pamela’s favourite conditions to treat include headaches, postural complaints and sporting injuries.
Sera Ozbek is a compassionate osteopath with a passion for holistic healthcare, driven by her own journey of recovery from physical injury. Her diverse experience with therapeutic approaches inspired her to pursue osteopathy as a way to help others achieve lasting wellness. Sera takes a patient centred approach, always striving to understand the root cause of discomfort and create personalised treatment plans for long term healing.
With a focus on chronic pain, migraine, complex health conditions, mental health and women’s health, Sera is dedicated to supporting patients at every stage of their journey.
Outside of her practice, she enjoys yoga and swimming, which inform her understanding of movement, posture and musculoskeletal health, particularly for those with mobility concerns.
All of our osteopaths have completed a 5 year double degree at leading Australian universities, and all are registered with AHPRA and are members of Osteopathy Australia.