Medical Specialist
Banksia Medical Centre is committed to providing holistic, coordinated healthcare. In addition to general practice and allied health services, we offer access to medical specialist care to support patients with complex or specialised health needs.
Specialist services at Banksia Medical Centre are provided in collaboration with our GPs to ensure continuity of care, clear communication, and appropriate follow-up.
Psychiatry Services
Banksia Medical Centre offers access to specialist psychiatric care for adults and young people requiring assessment, diagnosis and management of complex mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Psychiatry services are delivered by experienced consultant psychiatrists and are integrated with GP care where appropriate.
Conditions Supported
Our psychiatrists support patients with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Mood disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual disability with associated behavioural challenges
Our Psychiatrist
Psychiatry services at Banksia Medical Centre are provided by Dr Raghu Baburaj, Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Emily Tay, Youth and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Dr Ranjini Rao, Consultant Psychiatrist.
Dr Raghu Baburaj
Dr Baburaj is a highly experienced psychiatrist with extensive international training and clinical experience in adult mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disability.
Dr Baburaj’s full qualifications, clinical background and areas of interest can be viewed on his individual profile page.
Dr Emily Tay
Dr Tay is a Youth and Adolescent Psychiatrist with almost a decade of experience across public mental health services in Geelong, Colac, Werribee and Darwin, with experience spanning youth and adult community mental health, perinatal mental health and specialised eating disorder services.
Alongside her private practice, she works as a Youth Psychiatrist with Barwon Health, providing care to young people aged 12 to 26.
Dr Tay’s full qualifications, clinical background and areas of interest can be viewed on her individual profile page.
Dr Ranjini Rao
Dr Rao is a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in general adult psychiatry, substance misuse and addiction psychiatry, and adult ADHD, with extensive clinical and academic experience in the United Kingdom and Australia, including eight years as a Consultant Psychiatrist with a Specialist Substance Misuse Service in the UK.
She now practises as a Consultant Psychiatrist with Barwon Health’s Mental Health and Specialist Pain services and holds the position of Deputy Clinical Director in Mental Health at Grampians Health.
Dr Rao’s full qualifications, clinical background and areas of interest can be viewed on her individual profile page.
Referrals, Appointments & Availability
- A GP referral is required to access psychiatry services.
- Referrals should be emailed to reception for triage prior to booking.
- Appointment length and fees vary depending on clinical needs.
- Medicare rebates may apply for eligible patients.
Our reception team can assist with referral enquiries and general information.
Neurology & EEG Services
Banksia Medical Centre offers access to specialist neurology and EEG services for patients experiencing seizures, epilepsy and other neurological symptoms.
Neurology consultations and EEG testing are provided by Dr Julia Lim, Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, in partnership with Geelong EEG Service, and are integrated with GP care where appropriate.
Conditions Supported
Our neurology and EEG service supports patients with a range of conditions and concerns, including:
- Suspected seizures or epilepsy
- Unexplained blackouts or loss of consciousness
- Other neurological events requiring EEG assessment
- Ongoing epilepsy diagnosis, management and review
Our Neurologist
Neurology and EEG services at Banksia Medical Centre are provided by Dr Julia Lim, Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist.
Dr Lim is ANZAN-certified in EEG and completed advanced epilepsy fellowship training in Melbourne. She provides specialist EEG testing and reporting, along with neurology consultations, for patients across Geelong and South West Victoria.
Dr Lim’s full qualifications, clinical background and areas of interest can be viewed on her individual profile page.
Referrals, Appointments & Availability
- A GP referral is required to access neurology consultations and EEG testing
- Referrals should be emailed to reception for triage prior to booking.
- EEG testing is performed at Banksia Medical Centre Torquay, 94 Geelong Road, Torquay VIC 3228.
- Neurology consultations with Dr Lim are available in person and via telehealth through Banksia Medical Centre Belmont.
- Appointment length and fees vary depending on clinical needs.
- Medicare rebates may apply for eligible patients.
Our reception team can assist with referral enquiries and general information.
Integrated Specialist Care
Specialist consultations at Banksia Medical Centre are part of a coordinated care model. With patient consent, specialists communicate with GPs to support:
- A shared understanding of diagnoses and care plans
- Coordinated treatment and follow-up
- Safe prescribing and ongoing monitoring
Medical Specialist FAQs
1. Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or neurologist, or to have an EEG?
Yes. A valid GP referral is required for psychiatry appointments, neurology consultations and EEG testing.
2. Will my GP be informed after my appointment?
Yes. With your consent, a consultation summary or EEG report will be sent to your GP to support your ongoing care.
3. Can I bring a family member or support person?
Yes. Support people are welcome and can assist with communication and recall of information.
4. Are psychiatry appointments available at both clinics?
Yes, subject to availability. Our reception team can advise you on suitable locations and appointment options.
5. Where is EEG testing performed?
EEG testing is performed at Banksia Medical Centre Torquay, 94 Geelong Road, Torquay VIC 3228.
6. Will I see Dr Lim on the day of my EEG?
No. Your EEG is performed by our EEG scientist. Dr Lim, the reporting neurologist, reviews and reports on the recording afterwards but does not attend the test appointment.
7. What if my symptoms worsen while waiting for an appointment?
Please contact the clinic for advice. For urgent or severe symptoms, attend your nearest emergency department or call 000.