You are about to begin one of life's most challenging and rewarding journeys.
Our Specialists
The Birthright team consists of specialists, who work closely with a core group of midwives who provide labour and postnatal care.
Dr Lisa Meyer MBChB, Dip Obst. (SA) BSc Hons, DFFP, MRCOG, FRSCS
(O&G Canada), FRANZCOG
Lisa was born in South Africa and did her medical training at the University of Pretoria. She completed specialist obstetrics and gynaecology training in London, UK. Her training included 2 years full time in obstetric and gynaecology ultrasound at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town.
She worked as a consultant in Nova Scotia, Canada for 4 years and during that time, obtained the Canadian Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In 2002 she settled in New Zealand in private practice. She is a consultant at National Women’s hospital. Lisa likes to rollerblade, cycle and windsurf when she is not singing acapella with her South African friends.
Dr Mahesh Harilall MBChB FRANZCOG
Mahesh is married with two children. He did in his primary medical degree in Durban South Africa, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1995 to complete his specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National Women’s Hospital in Auckland- where he has been a specialist in Auckland since 1999.
Mahesh is a Registrar Training supervisor and has been elected to Council of the College of O&G of Australia and NZ. He strives to promote excellence in women’s healthcare and is an advocate for teaching students and junior doctors.
Dr Chern Lo MBChB, Dip Paeds, FRANZCOG
Chern, from Singapore, completed medical training at the University of Auckland. Further Obstetric and Gynecological training has involved work across Auckland, New Plymouth, Sydney, and time with the Flying Obstetric and Gynecology service in central Queensland.
Chern is a consultant at Middlemore Hospital, and has private practice at OmniCare Women’s Health and Ascot Integrated Hospitals.
When not at work, Chern will be found OUTSIDE with anything that involves expensive gear. Chern works in close partnership with Ted the Cairn Terrier, you may meet Ted from time to time at Birthright, he loves to meet, greet and eat.
Dr David Ansell BSc,BMedSc,MBChB(Otago), FRCOG,FRANZCOG
David went to school in North Auckland and Auckland before moving to Dunedin for general medical training at Otago Medical School. After working as a house surgeon in Rotorua for two years David carried out specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in England and completed his training back in Auckland. David has been a specialist at Middlemore and National Women’s Hospitals as well as having been in private practise since 1984.
Currently David is the clinical leader for antenatal and post natal care at Middlemore Hospital and provides antenatal care in South Auckland and in Remuera as well as labour care at Auckland Hospital for women booking with Birthright.
David is married to a midwife who works at Middlemore Hospital and their house on St Andrews Rd gives extensive views across West Auckland and ready access to both Auckland and Middlemore Hospitals.
Dr Elizabeth Curr MBChB, MRCOG, FRANZCOG, Dip Family Planning (UK)
Elizabeth (Liz) is originally from Scotland and completed her medical training there then came to New Zealand to work at Auckland National Woman's Hospital. She completed her specialist training in Scotland and New Zealand gaining membership of British and New Zealand colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecology. At present she is also working as consultant at Auckland City Hospital.
She is dedicated to providing a safe and positive pregnancy experience for women and their partners.
When not at work she enjoys time with family and friends.
Dr Renuka Bhat MBBS, MD (India), FRANZCOG, DDU
Renuka Bhat is a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist whose main
interest is in the management of maternal medical complications and prenatal
diagnosis and antenatal management of congenital fetal conditions.
Renuka was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, INDIA and did her medical training in
that country. She also worked in Iran for four years. She responded to the
challenges of working in a new country and a new culture by learning to read
and write the Farsi language. She can also speak Hindi, Urdu and Kashmiri.
Renuka came to NZ in 1995 and obtained Fellowship of the Australasian
College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also obtained a Diploma in
Diagnostic Ultrasound. She has been working as a Consultant in Maternal
Fetal Medicine and Women's Health Ultrasound at Auckland Hospital since
2001.
In addition to her work in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Renuka practices general
gynaecology in public and private.
Renuka is married to Dr Ravinder Ogra a gastroenterologist and has two sons.
Her interests include reading, travel, gardening and watching rugby with the family.
Dr Mona Ponnen MBChB (Natal, SA) FCOG (SA)
Mona has joined Birthright to complement a dynamic team.
She graduated from the University of Natal Medical School in 1992 and qualified as a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in 1999. Mona has been in private practice for the past 11 years in South Africa.
Whilst she derives great pleasure in delivering healthy newborns, her other areas of focus are preventative medicine, dealing with the impact of childhood obesity, sexual health and holistic management of the menopause.
She is married, has 2 children and will be looking forward to touring New Zealand when not at work.
Birthright Specialist care throughout your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: Please note that Birthright website is not intended to replace individualised,
specialist advice that you receive from your doctor and other health professionals.
