Dr Timothy Smith attained the degree M.B., Ch.B. at the University of Stellenbosch in 1983 with Distinction. He moved to Australia in 2005 and in 2008 attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners with Specialist registration.
Dr Timothy Smith has been a GP for more than 30 years and enjoys all aspects of General Practice, with special interests in anxiety, depression, children’s health, and men’s health.
Languages: Afrikaans & English.
Dr Joe De Jager was born and trained in South Africa, attaining the degree MB., Ch.B with distinction at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town in 1983. He has over 27 years of GP experience and moved to Coolum Beach with his family in 2005.
He enjoys all aspects of General Practice and has special interests in anxiety, depression, children’s health, and men’s health. Outside of medicine, he is an avid saltwater fly fisherman and golfer.
Languages: Afrikaans & English.
Dr Poshitha De Silva graduated with MBBS in 2005 and practised medicine in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia in 2010. He worked at St Vincent’s Toowoomba Private Hospital and Toowoomba Base Hospital before entering General Practice in 2014 and completed his Fellowship of General Practice in 2018.
He holds a Diploma of Child Health from the University of Sydney, a Certificate in Aviation Medicine from Monash University, and a Certificate in Primary Care Dermatology from the University of Queensland.
His special interests include Aviation Medicine, Chronic Disease Management, Injury Management, and Chronic Pain Management. He believes strongly in holistic patient care.
Colm Sands is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Director of Coastal Sands Counselling & Rehabilitation Services. He provides evidence-based psychological support with a strong focus on adjustment to injury, return to work, and functional recovery.
He has extensive experience in hospital and rehabilitation settings, including Sunshine Coast University Hospital, supporting individuals with complex and catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and amputation.
Colm has a particular interest in workplace injury, persistent post-concussive symptoms (concussion), persistent pain presentations, PTSD, and complex injury management. His work focuses on addressing the psychological, emotional, behavioural, and social factors that can delay recovery and impact return to function.
His approach is practical, collaborative, and rehabilitation-focused, supporting patients who feel “stuck” in their recovery to regain confidence, stabilise symptoms, and progress toward meaningful functional outcomes.
Colm works closely with GPs, specialists, and rehabilitation providers to support early intervention, reduce the risk of secondary psychological injury, and facilitate timely, sustainable return-to-work outcomes.
Appointments available via Telehealth and in-person at Coolum.
For appointments please contact:
Coastal Sands Counselling & Rehabilitation Services
E: cscs@coastalsandscounselling.com.au
Dr Satish Kharia graduated from university in India in 2005 and immigrated to Australia in 2007. He completed a Master of Public Health from Deakin University, Melbourne, and worked at Toowoomba Base Hospital before entering General Practice in 2014.
He also obtained a Diploma in Child Health from the University of Sydney and holds a Primary Care Skin Cancer Certificate. His interests include paediatric healthcare, skin cancer checks, chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, and minor skin procedures.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing cricket, and outdoor activities.
Chris Ingram grew up on the Sunshine Coast and graduated as a podiatrist from the Queensland University of Technology in 1994. He later completed a Research Master’s Degree in 2012.
Chris enjoys all areas of podiatry, with particular interests in chronic foot pain management, orthotic therapy, and musculoskeletal injuries. He currently consults from both Coolum Beach and Maroochydore.