Why Injury Doc NZ?
‘We started working in Occupational Health and rehabilitation in 2009 when we lived in Western Australia.
In 2014, we moved home to New Zealand where we opened Hemisphere Health in Nelson/Tasman – an Occupational Health clinic where our team of Doctors, Physios, Occupational Therapists, Counsellors and Psychologists all regularly talk to each other and work together.
Over the years, our clients (patients) and customers (companies) have consistently told us how unique and helpful it is to have the doctors involved in the rehabilitation team. They’ve also told us about challenges of getting back to work and life after an injury. How difficult it is to get access to GPs who understand the workplace and support an early return to work, especially in rural areas. And how a GP’s isolation from the rehab team often causes frustration when all anyone wants is to get back up and running.
We’ve always known that our collaborative rehabilitation model was a better approach.
And so – after telehealth and online consults became mainstream practice after the Covid 19 Pandemic – we had everything we needed to give more Kiwi workers and workplaces a positive experience and better outcomes when dealing with injuries and rehabilitation.’
Enter Injury Doc NZ.
Meet The Team
Gemma Newburn
Occupational Health Physiotherapist & Founder
BPhty(hons), BPhEd, MClinPhysio, PG Cert: Rehabilitation
Originally from Kaikoura, Gemma studied Physical Education and Physiotherapy at Otago University graduating in 2006. For the next six years, she travelled and worked overseas, completing her masters in Perth, WA and post-grad rehabilitation certificate at AUT in Auckland. In 2017, she moved to Nelson where she loves chilling out in her garden and going on mountain biking adventures with her husband, two kids and two dogs.
‘I love the practical aspect of Occupational Health; helping people get back to the things they love and their jobs. I also enjoy supporting employers in building systems that not only positively impact their workers and workplace culture, but also improve the way their businesses perform.’
Dr. Paul Park
Specialist GP
MB ChB, FRNZCGP
Dr Paul is an NZ-trained GP fellow who studied at Otago University before working in Christchurch hospital and undergoing GP specialist training in Auckland. Currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Occupational Medicine, Dr Paul is a natural people person with lots of experience helping patients get back to work in collaboration with other allied health professionals. An avid traveller, Dr Paul is now based in Auckland where him and his wife love sipping on a good coffee and cheering their kids on at weekend sports.
‘I have an interest in musculoskeletal medicine and enjoy the holistic approach to occupational health, looking at the overall big picture of a worker’s health and the work environment. I also love getting to know my patients and believe in forming long-term relationships and providing continuity of care.’
Dr. Kate Margetts
Occupational Medicine Registrar
MB ChB, PG Dip OccMed
Based in Dunedin, Dr Kate studied at Otago Medical School and spent her clinical years working in Wellington and other regional centres around New Zealand. Next, Dr Kate got her diploma in Occupational Medicine from the University of Otago, and she is currently completing her specialist training as an Occupational Physician registrar. When she’s not helping others, you can find Dr Kate out in the bush or relaxing at the beach with her family.
‘I love all the different people I get to meet as a doctor. I also enjoy the holistic considerations in this mahi, working as a team with the patient, physiotherapist and workplace to create rehabilitation plans that can speed up recovery. It’s also incredibly satisfying figuring out a diagnosis/treatment that can help someone in a meaningful way.’
Dr. Steve Thake
Specialist GP and Occupational Medicine Practitioner
MBChB, MRCGP, PG Dip OccMed, AFOM (UK)
Having completed his undergraduate training in Cape Town, South Africa, and his GP and Occupational Medicine Training in the UK, Dr Steve moved to NZ in 2020 where he has since worked as a GP in primary care and in various occupational medicine roles. Now based in Christchurch where he lives with his family, Dr Steve has a full life outside of work, either running around after two sporty kids or fishing and skiing whenever he can.
‘I love being part of a person’s recovery – my job is never boring. Over the years, I’ve learnt how important appropriate early rehabilitation is to both employee and employer. So through my work, I’m always looking for opportunities to make the recovery journey a smooth one for everyone involved.’
Dr. Mike England
Occupational Physician / Clinical Supervisor
FAFOEM, FFSEM
After studying at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School in London, Dr Mike did his specialist training through the Faculty of Occupational Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Since moving to NZ in 2018, he’s worked as both an Occupational Physician specialist and a clinical director for a national rehabilitation company. Now based in Westport, Dr Mike is in the perfect spot to do the things he loves outside of work – fishing, cycling and tramping.
‘Occupational Medicine is hugely rewarding. I enjoy the collaborative and holistic nature of the field, as well as its focus on preventing injuries and returning individuals to work, enabling a positive and proactive approach to healthcare. The best part of my job is having a positive impact on people’s lives. And the intellectual challenge of finding solutions to complex problems means every day is different.’
Amber Kahu
Virtual Clinic Coordinator
Born in Christchurch, Amber spent her teenage years in Australia and lived in Hong Kong for four years before heading back to Canterbury.
With a diverse background in clinical assistant, operations and medical administration roles over the past 5 years, Amber brings valuable experience from the public hospital setting and General Practice. As our Virtual Clinic Coordinator, Amber keeps our clinic running smoothly. She is a dedicated people person supporting our doctors and helping injured workers access our services to ensure a fast and efficient recovery.
Outside of work, she loves travelling with her kids and husband, who’s an airline pilot, and sharing dinners with friends when closer to home.
Laura Dewar
Customer Care
Born in South Africa, Laura immigrated to Nelson in the mid-90s where she spent her school years before heading to the University of Canterbury to study a BCom in Management and HR.
With 10 years experience working overseas in travel, customer service and business development, Laura returned to Nelson in 2017 working in executive coordination. Being a natural organiser Laura is ideally suited to her role taking care of our member companies to coordinate a smooth set-up phase, so our Doctors have a clear understanding of the company, roles and tasks. She also supports clinic operations behind the scenes.
When she’s not working, Laura loves getting out in the caravan with her family, especially spending time in Takapō (Tekapo), which is close to her heart.
Imogen Smith
Relationship Manager
Originally from Bath in England, Imogen spent four years studying Politics and Social Policy at Edinburgh University before making the move to NZ.
With ten years of experience working as an ACC case manager, team leader and then in their injury prevention team she brings exceptional knowledge of our NZ rehabilitation system. Imogen also has a health and safety diploma along with five years’ experience in health and safety management.
Day to day, Imogen helps interested companies explore if Injury Doc is a good fit and supports our member companies with her combined Injury Management and H&S experience. And outside of work hours, you’ll find her in the great outdoors with her family, exploring the stunning beaches, rivers and hills.
Marie Tovio
Human Resources (HR) and Employment Relations (ER) Consultant.
Marie is from Wellington with more than 30 years of experience in Human Resources roles including government, insurance, primary industries and consulting firms. Marie’s goal is to achieve positive outcomes for both employers and employees throughout the injury management journey.
Day to day, Marie consults with new member companies as part of our set up phase to optimise processes, plus provides an annual consultation every membership year. Marie is also available for additional support when needed.
Outside of work, Marie enjoys weekend getaways and car events with her husband, as well as a good movie and spending time with her miniature Chihuahua (Chanel) and Ragdoll (Lily Bug).