OUR TEAM
Who We Are
Nicola Moine
MPSYCH (CLIN)
Psychology Registrar
Dr. James Askew
General Laparoscopic
Bariatric Surgeon
BSc, MBBS, FRACS
Kye Sperling
Practice Manager
Amy Tollan
Medical Receptionist
Dr James Askew
General Laparoscopic
Bariatric Surgeon
BSc. MBBS. FRACS
James is an experienced Queensland trained General and Bariatric Surgeon. He has been operating at the SCUPH since its opening in 2014. His consulting suites within the hospital provided a multi-disciplinary team approach to metabolic surgery and include in-house dietitian and psychology support.
James grew up in Brisbane and attended the University of Queensland, gaining his Bachelor of Science (BSc.). He proceeded to undertake a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), graduating in 2003. James’ General Surgical training was based throughout South East Queensland, including rotations on the Sunshine Coast. He completed his formalised surgical training and exams, obtaining a FRACS (Fellow Royal Australian College of Surgeons) in 2010.
James’ keen interest in metabolic surgery was recognised with selection onto the ANZGOSA post-fellowship training program. This enabled further subspecialist training in high volume Bariatric and Upper gastro-intestinal surgical hospitals in New Zealand and Melbourne.
Dr Askew has published articles in HPB and the ANZ Journal of Surgery and has presented at the International Society for Diseases of the Oesophagus meeting. He is the General Surgical Representative for the Medical Advisory Committee at SCUPH. He is the hospitals principal investigator for the Bariatric Surgical Registry. James is a active member of the Australian & New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS), as well as being a member of IFSO, GSA, and the AMA. He regularly attends conferences (nowadays by Zoom!) and clinical immersions to ensure his practice and knowledge is current.
James is committed to providing a friendly and approachable environment to help you feel at ease.
James lives on the Sunshine Coast with his young family. He is still learning to surf and is aiming to play more golf and tennis.
Nicola Moine
MPSYCH (CLIN)
PSYCHOLOGY REGISTRAR
Nicola completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As a psychologist, Nicola incorporates both cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment based therapy frameworks into her treatment approach, and has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. She is enthusiastic and passionate about her work and has experience in treating anxiety disorders (including specific phobias, social anxiety and generalised anxiety), depression, addictions and eating disorders. Nicola has also provided psychological treatment to individuals in palliative care.
Nicky’s special interests include relationship difficulties, assisting individuals to develop emotion regulation skills, and resilience building. She has experience working across the lifespan and primarily works with adolescences, adults, and couples. Her supportive and warm approach allows people to feel comfortable while engaging in treatment and working towards their therapeutic goals.
Nicki moved from Sydney in 2016 and now considers the Sunshine Coast to be home. She enjoys playing with her Spoodle puppy, going on beach walks, and practicing yoga.
Kye Sperling
PRACTICE MANAGER
Kye is a highly experienced Medical Practice Manager and has worked in both plastic surgery and respiratory specialist practices before moving from Perth to join Dr Askew’s bariatric team on the Sunshine Coast. Kye’s role includes not only administering the practice but also in providing education and support to patients both pre and post-operatively. Her welcoming attitude and vast knowledge base enables her to answer any questions you may have.
As a successful metabolic surgery patient herself, Kye is committed to patient care and ongoing education surrounding bariatric surgery.
Kye has a deep love for coffee and when not assisting patients, she enjoys hunting for mid-century treasures, wandering through art galleries and nature walks.
Amy Tollan
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
Amy has over 10 years experience working as a Personal Assistant in London and has also worked in aged care and has enjoyed supporting older people and people with disabilities in the community. Since joining Dr Askew’s rooms, Amy enjoys welcoming our clients and assisting with all administrative tasks.
Amy and her husband moved to Australia in 2005 to raise their three children. When she is not child wrangling, Amy enjoys quilting, listening to podcasts and spoiling her dachshunds.
What We Do
We are committed to long-term results. To ensure your success we will closely follow and support you throughout your weight loss journey. Our weight loss surgery package includes seven dietitian appointments, two psychology appointments and regular on-going medical review appointments that are bulk billed.
Our new consulting suites at the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital are focused on patient care and comfort. We run both general surgical clinics and bariatric clinics a the new suite has enabled the formation of our specialist team approach to weight loss. Our Practice is supportive and equipped for Telehealth appointments if you are unable to attend our rooms in person.
In addition to our bariatric program, we are here to assist you with general surgical conditions.
Dr Askew’s general surgical interest lies in diseases of the gallbladder, hernia repairs, upper GI surgery (e.g. anti-reflux surgery) and skin cancer surgery.
Professional Associations
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