Fleet Street Clinic

Medical Director and Travel Medicine Specialist

Dr Richard Dawood

BSc MBBS MD DTM&H DRCOG FRCR CTROPMED CTH FFTM RCPSG Dr Richard Dawood has practised for over 35 years and was one of the first doctors in the UK to establish Travel Medicine as a distinct speciality. Richard is the most senior UK travel medicine specialist working exclusively in a private setting. Richard trained in medicine at University College Hospital and studied tropical medicine at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. He practised in a variety of clinical settings at teaching hospitals in the UK and overseas before establishing the Fleet Street Clinic with Gillian Whitby in 1995. He has personal experience of travel in more than 120 countries around the world. Richard is a Founding Member and Fellow of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) and has served on its Executive Board. He is also a Founder Member of the British Global & Travel Health Association and a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Travel Medicine (Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a Trustee of the Blood Care Foundation. “Travellers’ Health” – Edited by Richard Dawood The first edition of Richard’s book “Travellers’ Health” was published in 1986, and helped set the agenda for modern travel medicine. With 10 UK and International editions of this award-winning book, it reflects a pioneering approach to providing frequent travellers with the facts they need to understand and overcome the health risks of travel. The current edition of the book – with some 70 contributors – is available from Amazon. Richard has written for travel medicine textbooks and journals, and for media titles such as the Daily Telegraph and Condé Nast Traveler (New York). He is passionate about writing and is a member of the Society of Authors and the British Guild of Travel Writers. Richard has contributed to news items on every aspect of Travel Medicine, and features on networks such as the BBC, Sky News, CNN and Al Jazeera. He is regularly called upon for news, television and entertainment projects across the globe, consulting on travel health issues.

Optical Director

Ms Gillian Whitby

BSc (Hons) MCOptom A founding partner of Fleet Street Clinic, Gillian Whitby trained in optometry in Glasgow and has been GOC registered since 1982. With nearly thirty years’ experience of general clinical optometry, Gillian has worked in Fleet Street since 1983 and established her own independent practice Whitby & Co in 1995. She heads up a great optometric team and has built an extensive, wide-ranging referral network. Highly sought after for her expertise, Gillian offers patients a unique blend of excellent eye care and her friendly, welcoming approach: “listening to patients’ needs is paramount”. She enjoys problem-solving and helping patients who have been visually unfulfilled elsewhere. Gillian counts one of her career highlights as testing and looking after one of our former Prime Ministers when he was in office. He is still a client to this day. Gillian is regularly instructed in optometric legal matters and enjoys being an expert witness. When she is not at work, she is busy travelling with her husband Richard, or spending time with her 3 sons. A keen chef, she spends a lot of time entertaining in the kitchen.

Clinic Manager

Mrs Sandy Karavadra

BSc (Hons) MSc Sandy specialises in operations management within a healthcare setting. Following her undergraduate study in Biology at the University of Leeds, she went onto further postgraduate education at the University of Warwick, graduating with a distinction in the MSc programme – Biotechnology and Business Management. Her dissertations focussed on the tropical infectious diseases, malaria and leishmaniasis. Sandy spent 3-months travelling across Brazil carrying out research for her project into novel vector control interventions for visceral leishmaniasis. Since then she has gained 7-years experience within healthcare management, working in the private sector, managing large operational teams in decontamination and sterile services for private and NHS hospitals. In conjunction with this, she also completed a Level 5 diploma in management and leadership from the Chartered Management Institute. Sandy joined the Fleet Street Clinic team in 2019, to support the clinical and operational teams in continuously striving for excellence in patient safety and satisfaction. In her spare time, Sandy enjoys travelling abroad with her husband, family and friends. She is also a keen cook and calligrapher.

General Practitioner

Dr Belinda Griffiths

MBBS DRCOG DFSRH After qualifying from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, Belinda did GP training in London and the South East. She worked as a full-time GP partner in South Wales, leaving due to her husband’s occupation, then worked as a GP in Pangbourne, Virginia Water and Reading. Currently, throughout the week, Belinda works here at Fleet Street Clinic and at weekends she works for the NHS 111 service. During her career, she has worked for the Pregnancy Advisory Service, The Brook Advisory Bureau, The Women’s National Cancer Control Campaign, The Tenovus Cancer Charity, PPP and worked for the Fleet Street Clinic at the 2012 Olympics for NBC. She also: has been a committee member for the Forum of Sexualty and Sexual Health at the Royal Society of Medicine. was a former Trustee for the Donnington Hospital, Almshouse Charity, Newbury, Berkshire. is a member of the Oversight Advisory Panel for Safeguarding, Brockhurst School, Hermitage, Berkshire. was a medical advisor to the now closed UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Beenham. is a Trustee of the Bradfield Almshouse Charity. is a member of the Alvis Car Club, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, now Sunningdale Heath Golf Club. is a honorary vice president of the Hartley Trust In the words of one of our patients, “She is an outstanding doctor”.

General Practitioner and Travel Doctor

Dr Will Cave

MBBS (MRCGP '96) DCH DTM&H MFTM (RCPS Glas) RCPSG Dr William Cave qualified from the Middlesex Hospital in 1986 and became a member of the Royal College of GPs in 1996. He has a special interest in travel medicine and infectious disease and spent seven years working in South Asia, most of that time in Nepal. He now divides his time between the Fleet Street Clinic and his NHS work in South-West England. He is a medical advisor for the Swinden Charitable Trust, a telemedicine organisation providing online expertise to medical staff in remote or challenging locations. He is married with a 23 year old daughter, adopted from a Kathmandu orphanage. Dr William Cave has postgraduate qualifications in child health, tropical and travel medicine and infectious disease. In the words of one of our patients, Dr Cave is “very professional and friendly”.

General Practitioner and Occ Health

Dr Sally Roxburgh

MBBS Dr Sally Roxburgh qualified from St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1986. She trained in accident and emergency and psychiatry before working as a locum and subsequently as a resident medical officer in a private hospital in the south of England. She then took the opportunity to work for several years as a journalist, as part of the editorial team of several national magazines. She was health editor, as well as general features writer covering travel, books and gardening – interests that she continues to pursue. She became an associate in a private GP practice in the City in 1995 and came to work at the Fleet Street Clinic in 2003. In the words of one of our patients, “Dr Sally Roxburgh is exceptional. She always remembers medical history and relevant personal details to enable her to make a quick and effective diagnosis. She shows a truly caring yet professional attitude”.

General Practitioner, Travel and Occ Health Physician

Dr Carsten Hartmann

MA MD DTM&H MRCGP DRCOG DOccMed CTH PG Cert TPC Dr Carsten Hartmann graduated from Hanover Medical School in 1996. After that he has worked for several years in different medical specialties in Germany and for health programmes in Africa and Asia. He was awarded the degree Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Hanover Medical School in 1997 and underwent further special training in tropical medicine at the University of Liverpool, where he obtained the Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H). In 2003 he completed his specialist training in general medicine in Germany. Since 2004 he has been working as a GP for the NHS in London and since 2008 also privately at the Fleet Street Clinic. He underwent further special training in occupational medicine at the University of Manchester and was awarded the Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed) and in women’s health and sexual and reproductive health and obtained the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRCOG) and the Diploma of their Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH). He was also awarded an advanced academic qualification in teaching in primary care at the University of Westminster (PgCert) and the Certificate in Travel Health™ (CTH®) by the International Society of Travel Medicine. In the words of one of our patients, “Dr Hartmann is an outstanding doctor. I have seen him several times over the last few years”.

General Practitioner

Dr Clare Parsons

MBChB BSc MSc DTM&H MRCGP PGCert Care graduated from the University of Leeds in 2011, before pursuing a BSc in Global Health from University College London. She then underwent training at King’s College Hospital and Sussex, followed by a diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene. Later, she achieved a masters of tropical medicine and international health with distinction from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Clare was in Sierra Leone during the Ebola pandemic, where she worked in several NGO’s including MSF, both in treatment centres, intensive care units, and contact tracing in the community. Her interest in tropical medicine led her to work in a tuberculosis clinic in Timor-Leste before returning to London to gain experience in HIV at St. Mary’s Hospital. Clare trained as a GP in East London, where she developed an interest in mental health and paediatrics. She completed a PGCert in health and well-being and continues to work as an NHS GP in Central London alongside, working at Fleet St. Clinic. Outside work, Clare enjoys long-distance triathlons, listening and playing chamber music, and spending time with her family.

Occ Health Physician

Dr Claire Braham

MBBS BSc (Hons) DCH DRCOG DFSRH MRCGP DOccMed Dr Claire Braham qualified from the Royal Free Hospital And University College London School of Medicine in 2000, having gained a first-class honours degree in an intercalated BSc in Human Genetics along the way. Before qualifying as a General Practitioner, she trained in various specialities including Accident and Emergency, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is enjoying a diverse portfolio career. Currently, this includes working as an NHS and private GP, occupational health physician, appraiser and GP registrar trainer. During the pandemic, this has included abundant work as a GP for NHS 111. Her special interests include occupational medicine, medical education, women’s and children’s health and family planning. She is passionate about practicing and promoting good health and wellbeing, both in herself and in inspiring others. In her spare time, Claire enjoys ballet barre and dance classes, playing the piano, theatre, travel and photography (especially anything involving wildlife). She is also hoping to learn to fly!

Occ Health Physician

Dr Christopher Levy

BSc MBBS MRCS Dr Christopher Levy qualified from St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London in 1998. Prior to that, he obtained a degree in Pharmacology from King’s College, University of London where he developed an interest in neuroscience. As a result, he spent time training in neurosurgery, before working 15 years in Emergency Medicine. During this time, he also developed an interest in community medicine whilst being the clinical lead for an assessment clinic in Surrey for 5 years. Since specialising in Occupational Medicine, initially in the transport sector, Dr Levy now has broad experience working across all industries, offering face to face, virtual and on-site appointments. Dr Levy specialises in the following services: management referrals, recruitment medicals, D4 DVLA & taxi medicals, OEUK medicals, visa & travel medicals and vaccines, corporate medicals, and hand arm vibration (HAVS) Tier 4 medicals. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr Levy has an interest in photography and enjoys playing the piano and the organ. He is an avid fan of cricket and football and a keen supporter of Liverpool FC.

Lead Nurse

Ms Anna Chapman

RGN BSc PG Dip MSc Dip Trop Nursing OHN UAD Occ. Health CTH City University, London (2011) Anna specialises in Travel Medicine, Occupational Health and Contraception. Anna Chapman’s background is in reproductive health care and completed her Certificate in Contraception and Sexual Health at Kings College, London. Anna has undertaken her Diploma in Tropical Nursing at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and is also a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine. She also holds the International Society of Travel Medicine’s Certificate in Travel Health. With a desire for travel and for scuba diving, taking her to over 75 countries, Anna has worked in a variety of environments including Kenya, Spain and Ecuador, and has also undertaken research in rural Bolivia in reproductive health care. In the words of one of our patients, (I) “Cannot speak highly enough of the lengths Anna went to in dealing with me at short notice. She was a fantastic help”.

Travel Nurse

Ms Lucy Mildren

RGN BSc PDTN CTH University of the West of England (2013) Lucy Specialises in Travel Medicine. Lucy began her nursing career in Bristol, working on the Coronary Care Unit at Southmead Hospital. She remained in the NHS for eight years before setting her sights on a job that would combine her nursing skills with a lifelong love for travel. Since joining us in 2018, Lucy has completed the Diploma in Tropical Nursing at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and has become a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine. She also holds the International Society of Travel Medicine’s Certificate of Knowledge. Outside of work Lucy has travelled extensively, backpacking her way through over 40 countries. Some of her highlights include trekking in the Himalayas and surfing in Nicaragua. In the words of one of our patients, “Lucy was professional, skillful [sic], caring and upbeat – just enough to reduce my anxiety of blood tests”.

Travel Nurse

Becky Arrell

RGN BN CTH Becky specialises in paediatrics, sexual health and travel vaccinations. Becky gained her nursing degree at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand, following which she worked in paediatrics, specialising in burns and plastic at Hutt Hospital. In 2015 she decided to move to the UK to develop her knowledge and experience nursing on the other side of the world. Utilising her paediatric nursing skills, she joined the world renowned hospital, Great Ormond Street, working in respiratory medicine, and high-dependency care units. Becky was part of a nursing team providing care for patients who were severely unwell with respiratory problems for the NHS. The combination of working in paediatrics and specialist care units nurtured Becky’s natural empathy, whilst developing her easygoing communication style. Whilst living in the UK, Becky discovered a passion for travelling, and began to explore different parts of Europe and further afield. This led her to become interested in travel medicine and she started to educate herself on the topic. Since then, Becky decided she wanted to focus on a career in Travel Medicine, which led her to joining Fleet Street Clinic earlier this year. Since joining our nurse team, one of the things Becky enjoys the most is discussing patients upcoming travel plans; ensuring they leave prepared for their next trip, hoping her next one isn’t too far away.

Travel Nurse

Jade Smallwood

RGN BSc (Hons) Jade received a first-class Honors degree in Adult Nursing from the University of West of England in 2016, earning commendation and recognition on the Dean’s list. Subsequently, she gained experience on the surgical trauma assessment unit at The Bristol Royal Infirmary. Despite her desire to travel, Jade believed it was crucial to acquire the necessary qualifications and experience before doing so. Jade made the decision to gain healthcare experience in another country and moved to Australia in 2017. For a year, she worked for two nursing agencies, HCA Healthcare and Alliance Healthcare, on the surgical wards. She then moved to New Zealand, working for Geneva health care before starting in the orthopaedic ward of Mercy Ascot private health care in Auckland. Returning to the UK in February 2020, Jade worked in a busy orthopaedic/plastic ward at the spire in Methley for about 7 months before relocating to London in the summer of 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a vaccinator in Reading, as well as part of the immunisation team for Oxford Health delivering vaccinations to children aged 5-16 years in schools and community venues. Jade also gained quite specialist experience working as a medic on a film production. She enjoyed this experience but due to the nature of the work being project-based, Jade decided to pursue a career path that blended her passion for travel and nursing, which led her to the Fleet Street Clinic. Jade joined the team as a flu nurse in September 2022 before transitioning to a full-time role at the clinic in January 2023.

Optometrist and Contact Lens Practitioner

Ms Lavinia De Souza

BSC (Hons) MED BIOCHEM BSC (Hons) OPTOM MCOPTOM Lavinia graduated from Brunel University in 1999 as a Medical Biochemist and joined Moorfields Eye Hospital, Institute of Ophthalmology, where her research into “Angiogenesis and Drug Resistance in Uveal Melanoma” resulted in the publication of two papers. She then graduated as an Optometrist from City University in 2002. Soon after, Lavinia was awarded the ‘Stephen Dawson prize for Clinical Excellence’ from the Institute of Optometry, London. She achieved membership to the College of Optometrists in 2003 and is also a member of the General Optical Council and the Association of Optometrists. She has WOPEC accreditations and certificates in Glaucoma, Cataracts and Minor Eye Conditions from Cardiff University and is a MECs accredited practitioner. Lavinia joined Whitby & Co Opticians in 2006 and excels at building trusting relationships and delivering the best possible clinical service. In 2016, Lavinia became a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. In 2017, she was invited to be ‘clothed as of the Livery’ and became a Liveryman. In 2017, Lavinia was honoured by receiving her ‘Freedom of The City of London’.As well as being in practice, Lavinia also lectures and teaches at The Institute of Optometry and City University. Outside of work, Lavinia is kept busy with her young family. She still keeps up her passion of ballroom and latin dancing, where she has attained international gold medals. In the words of one of our patients, “Lavinia is highly professional, knowledgeable and reassuring”.

Optometrist

Mr Nish Dattani

BSc (Hons) Nish Dattani gained his BSc hon degree in optometry from the University of Bradford in 1999. Having gained membership to the General Optical Council (GOC) and the Association of Optometrist (AOP) in 2000, he worked closely with optometry students preparing and guiding them through professional exams. Over the past 20 years Nish has worked exclusively in the independent optometric sector across London serving patients in Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Marylebone, and Soho. Outside of work, Nish is a keen sportsman and loves travelling.

Optometrist and Contact Lens Practitioner

Mrs Fazlin Jetha

BSc (Hons) Fazlin graduated with a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing with Management in 2001, from Anglia Ruskin University, and then studied Optometry at the University of Manchester, graduating with a BSc Honours degree in 2004. She undertook further training at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, the Institute of Optometry in London, and an independent practice in Kensington. This was followed by full registration with the General Optical Council, the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists. After an 18-month career break in 2012 to help her husband set up a business in Chicago with his MBA friends, Fazlin returned in 2014 to raise their young family. In her spare time, she carries out volunteer work and is an active member and secretary of her Local Optical Committee. A keen learner, Fazlin has continued with her studies by completing a certificate in Lifelong Learning with the London School of Economics as well as achieving certificates in Glaucoma, Cataracts and Minor Eye Conditions from Cardiff University. The COVID-19 pandemic did not interrupt her studies: while homeschooling her young children, she also completed postgraduate courses in Independent Prescribing with Ulster University, obtaining a distinction, and in Leadership. She is currently taking a distance learning course with Cardiff University, leading to a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma. Fazlin joined Whitby & Co. in 2021 and enjoys applying her extensive knowledge and expertise to provide our patients with top quality eyecare.

Optometrist

Ms Neelam Mohamed

Neelam is an experienced specialist optometrist who initially joined Whitby & Co to provide maternity cover back in 2018. She quickly became a valuable member of the optical team due to her approachable personality and professional manner and has remained on as one of our regular optometrists ever since. She has always been passionate about optometry and graduated from Cardiff University in 2009 with a BSc (hons) degree in Optometry and Vision Science. Over the past 12 years, she has primarily worked in the independent optometric sector across London providing primary eye care services. She practices alongside consultants who provide refractive vision correction such as laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, and corneal pathology. Neelam has maintained continuous active memberships with the General Optical Council (GOC) and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) since 2007. When she is not practising eye care, Neelam is an active member of the community and carries out various voluntary work including: helping to organise international sporting events and tournaments, assisting teaching at a Saturday school, and hosting youth clubs. Outside of her voluntary work, she enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures; Following a trip with friends to Trinidad and Tobago, she was inspired by their inclusive and joyful culture and has since become a member of the Notting Hill Carnival committee.

Podiatrist

Mr George Hill

BSc (Hons) MRCPod HCPC Reg George started his Podiatry career in the private sector and has thousands of hours of clinical experience. He is well equipped to assess and diagnose many lower limb conditions, whether related to complex bio-mechanical issues, common skin conditions or routine nail care. George is HCPC registered and a member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, with a license to administer local anaesthetic in order to undertake minor surgical procedures, prescribe POMs. His wealth of knowledge and friendly manner leave patients very satisfied. George has a keen interest in all types of sport and exercise. As an avid sportsman himself, he uses this to relate to the many of the lower limb conditions he treats. In the words of one of our patients, ”George was very informative and helpful with my feet issues. He offered sound advice and treated me very well”.

Podiatrist

Rob Payne

BSc PGCert MSc MRCPod Rob is a highly skilled Podiatrist who possesses a deep-seated passion for sports, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal medicine. Having obtained his initial degree in Podiatric Medicine along with a postgraduate certificate in Podiatric Sports Medicine, Rob boasts extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of intricate sports injuries, as well as clinical gait analysis. His exceptional proficiency has garnered him opportunities to collaborate with numerous British Olympians and renowned football clubs, including Crystal Palace FC, West Ham United FC, and Charlton Athletic FC. Apart from his remarkable sports medicine background, Rob holds a master’s degree in the Theory of Podiatric Surgery. He has earned accreditation to perform minor soft tissue surgeries, such as excisional skin biopsies, and is well-versed in advanced nail surgery procedures. With his comprehensive knowledge in biomechanics, musculoskeletal medicine, and surgery, Rob is fully equipped to provide his patients with comprehensive podiatric care. His commitment and proficiency enable him to deliver exceptional treatment and support to those in need.

Osteopath

Mr Andrew Doody

BSc (Hons) Ost.Med. DO ND Andrew is a graduate of BCOM (the British College of Osteopathic Medicine) and the University of Westminster, where he achieved an Honours degree in osteopathic medicine as well as two diplomas. He has over twenty years’ experience at the Fleet Street Clinic where he has a very loyal and extensive patient base. He is a member of the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC) and the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) and is recognised by BUPA and all other medical insurers. Andrew has a keen interest in diagnostics and often works closely with GPs as well as many orthopaedic and neurosurgeons. He has also worked with several sports clubs and is himself a keen, if perhaps slightly past it (his words!), sportsman. In the words of one of our patients, “I’ve been to Andrew for a number of years now for various running injuries, he’s always been very helpful in getting me back on track and I’d have no hesitation in recommending him”.

Acupuncturist

Ms Diane Timewell

BSc (Hons) MBAcC Diane is a highly experienced acupuncturist with over 25 years treating all kinds of physical and stress-related issues. Diane uses a unique style of acupuncture which combines Western scientific understandings of anatomy, physiology and pathology with ancient Chinese understandings of how the body works as a whole. This gentle hands-on treatment is often very effective at getting to the root of the problem. This usually helps resolve symptoms quickly and more effectively. This is a very thorough style of treatment – direct feedback from testing specific areas on the patient’s body helps pinpoint diagnosis. This enables patient-focused treatment and often leads to excellent clinical results. As well as treating the usual symptoms that acupuncture treatment is well-known for – back, neck, shoulder pain; women’s issues; fertility; headaches… Diane also takes a particular interest in how stress affects the body. Often at the root of many of our day-to-day symptoms, reducing stress often helps resolve many conditions such as IBS, unexplained infertility, anxiety, low immunity & fatigue. Diane is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the major regulatory body in the UK and works to strict standards as laid down by the Department of Health. Diane was awarded the Nutri-Centre Prize for merit in her studies of Acupuncture in 2005 and also holds a BA (Joint Hons) degree in English and Psychology. In the words of one of our patients, “Diane is a wonderful and warm acupuncturist, she is highly skilled and her results are rapid and impressive. I would strongly endorse her expertise and recommend her to anyone looking for a first class practitioner in London”.