United in our goal to help you achieve long-term success.
Upper Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Surgeon
General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr Ian Baxter is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons on the Sunshine Coast, with more than 30 years of surgical experience and over 4,000 successful weight loss procedures performed since 1998. As a specialist in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal, and hernia surgery, Dr Baxter is known for his patient-focused approach and exceptional clinical outcomes.
He leads the surgical team at the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre, offering personalised and evidence-based weight loss surgery solutions, including gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric surgery.
General Practitioner
Dr Jessica McEwan is a GP with a special interest in obesity and weight loss medicine, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients take control of their health. Since 2015, Dr McEwan has worked as a GP in Northern New South Wales and South-East Queensland, attaining her Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2017. Alongside clinical medicine, she works as an RACGP Senior Medical Educator, training the next generation of GPs.
Dr McEwan has completed the SCOPE Certification, the only internationally recognised qualification in obesity management. She understands that many people struggling with weight — including those affected by perimenopause, PCOS, infertility, and musculoskeletal pain — often find it difficult to access the right support. Dr McEwan employs evidence-based medicine along with the support of a multidisciplinary team to help her patients take control of their health. Her belief in an individualised approach to each patient helps provide understanding and empathy when you need it most. She is committed to providing a non-judgemental and personalised approach, ensuring patients feel heard and supported throughout their journey.
Consultations are available both in person and via telehealth/videoconference, ensuring accessible care for patients wherever they are. Dr McEwan sees both adult and paediatric patients over the age of 12.
Bari Navigator
Gilli English is our Bari Navigator, here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey.
Whether you’re considering surgery or medical options such as injectables, Gilli is your first point of contact to answer all your questions. She provides clear advice on surgery types, nutrition, and the practical side of treatment—including navigating finance options and accessing superannuation to fund surgery.
With warmth and expertise, Gilli ensures you feel supported, informed, and confident before booking with one of our specialists or GPs.
Psychologist
Linda Cassell is a psychologist with a Master of Counselling Degree and an Associate Member of the Counselling Psychologist Group. She is also an Associate Member of ANZMOSS – The Australian New Zealand Metabolic Obesity Surgery Society.
She is deeply interested in the life journeys of her clients, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Linda specializes in understanding how life events, particularly trauma, influence an individual’s relationship with their weight.
Her own weight story began as a young athlete on a tennis scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, where she experienced the pressures of weekly weigh-ins and fat caliper tests. These experiences shaped her early relationship with body image. Over the years, her weight fluctuated alongside life’s challenges, culminating in a successful bariatric surgery ten years ago.
Today, Linda is passionate about helping others explore the emotional and psychological layers behind their weight stories. She works from a compassionate psychoanalytic perspective, integrating practical CBT strategies when appropriate, and always prioritizing the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of healing.
Linda looks forward to journeying with you.
Sally has over 30 years’ experience as a Dietitian and is a skilled expert in bariatric nutrition.
She has extensive clinical dietetic experience and leads a dedicated team consulting at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital, nursing homes, and private practice locations across the Sunshine Coast. Sally has worked closely with bariatric surgeons for over 20 years and is a senior Dietitian at the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre.
She has written and co-authored bariatric clinical protocols and presented at ANZMOSS clinical meetings, including the recent ANZMOSS Dietitians Roadshow.
Sally is passionate about teaching and mentoring. Until recently, she managed the Teaching Clinic at The University of the Sunshine Coast, and she continues to mentor students and new graduates.
Kishani is a highly experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 30 years in the field. For the last 15 years, she has specialised in weight management, bariatric nutrition, and women’s health, providing compassionate, evidence-based support.
At Sunshine Coast Weight Loss Centre, Kishani works alongside surgeons and allied health professionals to design personalised nutrition plans that complement each client’s treatment path. She is passionate about translating scientific information into practical “how-to” guidance, empowering clients to build a positive relationship with food and their bodies.
Kishani’s approach is client‑centred: she listens carefully to each person’s story, helps them navigate obstacles, and celebrates their successes. Outside the clinic, she enjoys the beautiful Sunshine Coast outdoors, travelling, and spending time with loved ones. She looks forward to supporting you on your health journey.
Storm is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over five years’ experience in private practice, supporting clients with a wide range of nutritional needs.
She has developed specialist skills in disordered eating, neurodiversity-affirming care, weight management, and bariatric nutrition. Her approach combines education, empathy, and practical strategies tailored to each individual.
At Sunshine Coast Weight Loss Centre, Storm provides thoughtful, evidence-based support as part of the multidisciplinary team. With a gentle, attentive style, she focuses on truly listening and helping clients make meaningful, sustainable changes. She prefers to let her clients’ results speak for her—and looks forward to supporting you on your journey.
Psychologist
TBA
Schedule a free 30-minute appointment with our Bariatric Navigator to find out more or book a specialist consult if you are ready to take the next step.
Book a complimentary session with our Bariatric Navigator to get all your questions answered – no obligations.
Call us to schedule an appointment with a surgeon or discuss weight loss medication with our GP.
