When I was entering adolescence I suddenly developed a strong interest in Eastern ways of thinking that came out of nowhere. My father had a library of books on the topic of holistic health, medicine, qi gong, martial arts, meditation, science and nutrition – so I just got really into this area. I started traditional Karate at my father’s school (called a dojo) shortly after and fell in love with it. Karate helped form the person I am today. By 17, I was spending time after school at a local Chinese medicine clinic in my hometown of Shepparton and I loved what I saw there. It was the perfect combination of Eastern philosophy, science, and medicine. So I just knew that that’s what I had to study. The path was very clear to me.
So I am one of the few Chinese Medicine Practitioners who works in more of an integrative manner – the combination of evidence based natural medicine, nutritional medicine, acupuncture, and herbal medicine; both western and Chinese herbal medicine traditions. I combine this with functional medicine, which involves using blood tests and other modern diagnostic tools to understand how to most thoroughly support my patient’s health. As a clinician, I believe in the integration of medicine – combining the best of natural medicine and conventional medicine.
I have a clinical focus on working with patients who are undergoing fertility, pregnancy, IVF and women’s health related concerns. I approach this from an integrated perspective, combining the best of evidence based natural medicine alongside time tested traditional approaches.
When I was working in the student clinic at Victoria University, the overwhelming majority of the cases I saw were fertility, pregnancy, women’s health or IVF related. I was able to see natural medicine being integrated successfully for these cases which provided me with an initial confidence and interest in this field. I eventually completed my internship at Shanghai Shuguang Hospital in China. Spending time in the gynaecology department and with a traditional fertility specialist allowed me to see first-hand how this medicine could be combined with modern diagnostic tools and procedures for the benefit of the patient. Once I returned in late 2008, I started working clinically in Essendon shorty after with my clinical focus on this area. I went on to complete post graduate modules in natural fertility and IVF support. I continue to work in this field and integrate care with particular reproductive specialists, gynaecologists and obstetricians in Melbourne and around Australia.
I still have a strong interest in traditional Japanese martial arts and have trained on and off for much of my adult life. I love archery as well and do practice occasionally. I love healthy eating and training at the gym – I like to feel good so this is important to me. Other interests include sustainable architecture, gardening, design, books, meditation and dining out with friends.
Robert Is the clinical director of Essendon Natural health. He works clinically from Tuesdays to Saturday, offering early mornings right through to late nights. If you have any enquiries or would like to make an appointment to see Robert, please phone reception on 9337 8572 during reception hours.
B.C.M (Hons), C.Clin.Prac (China), C.Toyohari. Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Integrative Natural Medicine Practitioner.
Robert is a passionate and warm practitioner who has an extensive knowledge of integrative and functional natural medicine. He is down to earth and has an interest in organic foods, gardening and sustainable living. With over a decade of experience, he is renowned for being very thorough by both fellow practitioners and patients alike.
