Neurologist for the Wimmera

Wimmera dementia patients and people suffering movement disorders can now see a neurologist in Horsham.

Dr Fariha Islam has settled into practice in Horsham as the region’s first neurologist.

Dr Fari, as she likes to be called, has moved to the region with her partner Dr David Hunchak because of their love of the outdoors and a particular fondness for Mt Arapiles.

The couple had originally planned to spend a few weeks in the region before moving their family to Canada, but the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted plans.

Dr Fari trained at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital where she completed a Fellowship in movement disorders, then followed that study up by completing a Fellowship in cognitive disorders at the Eastern Hospital.

Her special interest in those fields means she can treat patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and others with cognitive disorders such as various forms of dementia.

She can also provide consultation on any general neurological presentation including headaches, seizures, stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Fari said she was also working at Wimmera Base Hospital as a general medicine physician.

“I also plan to do some work with Ballarat Health Service at their dementia clinic,” she said.

“I’ve only been here a couple of months and I’ve just come off maternity leave, so we are settling in for now.”

Dr Hunchak is a rural generalist with special interests in anaesthesia, emergency medicine and Aboriginal health.

He also works in the hospital’s Emergency Department as a general practitioner.

Read Street Medical Centre manager Heather Parker said the appointments of Dr Fari and Dr Hunchak to the region was an example of how the community had gained some benefits from the pandemic.

“We are very lucky to have Dr Fari and we want the community to take full advantage of her knowledge,” Ms Parker said.

People can make an appointment with Dr Fari by calling the medical clinic on 5381 9167. still