Meet the Team
Directors
Prof Joanne Said
MBBS FRANZCOG CMFM PhD PGrad Dip Epid AFRACMA GAICD
Professor Joanne Said is a certified maternal fetal medicine subspecialist with extensive experience in obstetric ultrasound and complex obstetrics. Joanne established the maternal fetal medicine service at Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s at Sunshine Hospital Western Health. As the inaugural Head of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Joanne leads a multidisciplinary team providing tertiary level obstetric ultrasound and care for women with pregnancy disorders, fetal abnormalities, maternal medical disorders and risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. As a former founding director of Western Imaging for Women, Joanne has extensive experience in providing premium obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound services and associated services such as aneuploidy screening and genetic carrier screening.
Joanne was promoted to full Professor with the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health in 2023 in recognition of her outstanding achievements in medical education and research. Joanne currently leads several national and international clinical research trials which are designed to improve the health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Joanne has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has contributed as an author to several clinical guidelines which are used by obstetricians throughout Australia and New Zealand as part of their everyday practice. Joanne is passionate about evidence-based care and ensuring that women receive the most up to date approach to ultrasound diagnosis.
A/Prof Stefan Kane
MBBS BA BMedSc PhD FRANZCOG CMFM DDU(O&G)
Stefan is a maternal fetal medicine subspecialist obstetrician based primarily at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, where he is Director of Maternity Services and Acting Director of the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine. His clinical engagements cover the spectrum of high-risk pregnancy care, and include preterm birth prevention, multiple pregnancy, fetal medicine and maternal medical disorders in pregnancy.
He also performs tertiary-level fetal and gynaecological ultrasound. Stefan’s primary research focus is on the maternal neurological effects of pre-eclampsia. His PhD research evaluated the utility of maternal ophthalmic ultrasound in assessing changes in the cerebrovasculature and intracranial pressure of pre-eclamptic women. Other research interests include structural and genetic fetal anomalies, red blood cell alloimmunisation, preterm birth prevention, and early pregnancy prediction of later complications.
He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers on these topics, has acted as site co-ordinator for a number of international randomised controlled trials, and is CI on a number of grants evaluating different models of maternity care. Stefan is actively engaged in teaching at all levels, from medical students to advanced specialist trainees, and holds an honorary position as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health.
He has a longstanding interest in prevocational medical education and serves as an accreditation team leader for the intern accreditation authorities in Victoria and Queensland. He also serves on the Council of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand as immediate past president, and as the Clinical Lead for Preterm Birth with Safer Care Victoria, Stefan also participates in the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance.
In 2024, he was appointed to the Neonatal and Stillbirth Subcommittees of the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM).
Sonologists
Dr Andrew C C Ngu
MBBS FRANZCOG DDU COGU
Dr Andrew Ngu has been in practice performing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound since 1984 and is one of the pioneers in this field. He graduated in Medicine at Monash University in 1976 and obtained his specialist degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1986. He was awarded the Specialist Ultrasound Qualification (COGU) by the RANZCOG when it was first introduced in 1989. His training in Ultrasound was at the Ultrasound Department at the Royal Women Hospital and at Kings College London. He worked at the Ultrasound department at RWH from 1986 till 2010 including the positions of the Deputy Director and relieving Director of the department.
He has been very active in the education and setting of standards in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ultrasound globally over the last 30 years. He was elected to the board of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG) in 2004 as the first representative on that board from outside Europe and USA. He has been on the executive board of ISUOG since 2010 and held the many positions. These include being Secretary (2010 -2014) and President (2014-2016). He is currently on the finance committee of ISUOG.He served on the Council of Australian and New Zealand Society of Ultrasound (ASUM) for two terms (1992 -2000) and (2004-2012) holding many executive positions as President (1998-2000) Treasurer (2006-2008) and Secretary (1996-1998). During his presidency at ASUM he set up the first Ultrasound School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to teach ultrasound in his home country. The school has had over 200 graduates to date. He is also a founding director of the Australian Institute of Health Education (AIHE) in Sydney, where Ultrasound degrees are offered.
Dr Ngu has been an examiner for the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) offered by ASUM since 1992 till 2015, and has served as the Chairman of the Board of Examination for the Diploma of Medical ultrasound (DDU Asia) from 2003 to 2014.
He has been a Senior Consultant at The Northern Hospital, Epping since 1984 (Preston and Northcote Community Hospital 1986-1999) and has been the Chairman of the Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Northern Hospital till 2023.
A/Prof Stefan Kane
MBBS BA BMedSc PhD FRANZCOG CMFM DDU(O&G)
Stefan is a maternal fetal medicine subspecialist obstetrician based primarily at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, where he is Director of Maternity Services and Acting Director of the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine. His clinical engagements cover the spectrum of high-risk pregnancy care, and include preterm birth prevention, multiple pregnancy, fetal medicine and maternal medical disorders in pregnancy.
He also performs tertiary-level fetal and gynaecological ultrasound. Stefan’s primary research focus is on the maternal neurological effects of pre-eclampsia. His PhD research evaluated the utility of maternal ophthalmic ultrasound in assessing changes in the cerebrovasculature and intracranial pressure of pre-eclamptic women. Other research interests include structural and genetic fetal anomalies, red blood cell alloimmunisation, preterm birth prevention, and early pregnancy prediction of later complications.
He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers on these topics, has acted as site co-ordinator for a number of international randomised controlled trials, and is CI on a number of grants evaluating different models of maternity care. Stefan is actively engaged in teaching at all levels, from medical students to advanced specialist trainees, and holds an honorary position as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health.
He has a longstanding interest in prevocational medical education and serves as an accreditation team leader for the intern accreditation authorities in Victoria and Queensland. He also serves on the Council of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand as immediate past president, and as the Clinical Lead for Preterm Birth with Safer Care Victoria, Stefan also participates in the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance.
In 2024, he was appointed to the Neonatal and Stillbirth Subcommittees of the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM).
Chief Sonographer
Marlon Capiral
Marlon is a dedicated and compassionate women’s health sonographer with over 15 years of experience in medical imaging, including a decade specialising in high-risk pregnancy ultrasound within a Maternal Fetal Medicine unit in Melbourne.
He has worked across both public and private healthcare settings in Australia and New Zealand, with particular expertise in fetal cardiac imaging. Marlon is passionate about combining advanced ultrasound technology with personalised, patient-centred care to ensure families feel informed, supported, and reassured throughout their pregnancy journey.
Outside of work, Marlon enjoys spending quality time with his family and contributing to his community.
Sonographers
Seema Gill
Seema is an experienced Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sonographer who relocated from the UK to Australia.
After obtaining her Medical Ultrasound qualification at King’s College London, Seema gained extensive experience working across busy public hospitals as well as private practice settings. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, ensuring patients are well supported and comfortable throughout their examination.
Throughout her career, Seema has been actively involved in the teaching and mentorship of trainee and newly qualified sonographers, supporting the development of high clinical standards and best practice.
Linda Bradfield
Linda is a specialist Gynaecology and Obstetric Sonographer.
With over 20 years of experience in both private and public practice, Linda is an accomplished ultrasound specialist with expertise across all facets of the field. As a dedicated Gynaecology and Obstetric Sonographer, she has a deep passion for women’s health, with a particular focus on gynaecological ultrasound. Linda areas of interest include perimenopause, menopause, and endometriosis, areas where she has developed a wealth of knowledge and insight.
Linda has extensive experience in both private obstetric practice and maternal fetal medicine units. She is currently employed as a Senior Sonographer and Clinical Educator in Advanced Obstetrics at Western Health in Melbourne. Linda is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care, with a strong emphasis on providing high-quality, comprehensive ultrasound examinations.
Carolyn Garlick
Carolyn has more than 25 years of experience in diagnostic ultrasound across both public and private healthcare sectors, with a particular focus in women’s and children’s health.
Carolyn is passionate about ultrasound education and is working as an educator for Zedu Ultrasound Training Solutions delivering both group courses and personalised one-on-one training programs for medical professionals.
Carolyn has extensive experience in obstetric, gynaecological and fertility imaging and is deeply committed to providing high- quality, patient centred care. She is delighted to be part of the team at East Melbourne Ultrasound.
Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and exploring new destinations with her camper trailer.
Midwives
Carrie Coghlan
Carrie has over 35 years of experience as a nurse and midwife and has had the privilege of caring for women and families, with a strong focus on delivering the highest standard of support with warmth, nurturing, and reassuring guidance.
Her career has been devoted to providing exceptional, compassionate, and personalised care throughout every stage of the maternity journey. She also has a background in operating theatre nursing, assisting with maternity procedures, and providing information and gentle counselling for antenatal screening, including blood sample collection for testing.
As a senior member of the Birth Suite team, Carrie provides calm, experienced leadership and care during labour and birth.
Outside of work, Carrie has two young adult children and enjoys catching up over brunch, travelling, and spending time as a dog mum and amateur apiarist.
A/Prof Stefan Kane
Stefan is a maternal fetal medicine subspecialist obstetrician based primarily at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, where he is Director of Maternity Services and Acting Director of the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine. His clinical engagements cover the spectrum of high-risk pregnancy care, and include preterm birth prevention, multiple pregnancy, fetal medicine and maternal medical disorders in pregnancy.
He also performs tertiary-level fetal and gynaecological ultrasound. Stefan’s primary research focus is on the maternal neurological effects of pre-eclampsia. His PhD research evaluated the utility of maternal ophthalmic ultrasound in assessing changes in the cerebrovasculature and intracranial pressure of pre-eclamptic women. Other research interests include structural and genetic fetal anomalies, red blood cell alloimmunisation, preterm birth prevention, and early pregnancy prediction of later complications.
He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers on these topics, has acted as site co-ordinator for a number of international randomised controlled trials, and is CI on a number of grants evaluating different models of maternity care. Stefan is actively engaged in teaching at all levels, from medical students to advanced specialist trainees, and holds an honorary position as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health.
He has a longstanding interest in prevocational medical education and serves as an accreditation team leader for the intern accreditation authorities in Victoria and Queensland. He also serves on the Council of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand as immediate past president, and as the Clinical Lead for Preterm Birth with Safer Care Victoria, Stefan also participates in the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance.
In 2024, he was appointed to the Neonatal and Stillbirth Subcommittees of the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM).
