OUR TEAM
High-Quality Healthcare You Can Trust
Our practice is led by talented and experienced practitioners committed to sustaining a high-performing healthcare system responsive to the needs of the community Bendigo Doctors serve.

Dr Shaharia Sultana
MBBS FRACGP
MBBS FRACGP has been doing work in the Australian medical system for more than 5 years, graduated and trained from Bangladesh, and has special training in skin cancer, and women’s health. She has an interest in child health, chronic disease management, men’s health, and psychiatry also she has been living in Bendigo for 5 years with her family, and 3 lovely kids and she has a passion for cooking different cuisines, watching movies, listening to music, and reading books.

Dr. Salik Shams
MBBS, MRCGP UK, MRCP UK, Diploma in Diabetes
Senior Family Physician
Dr. Salik Shams is a highly experienced Senior Family Physician with over 18 years of medical practice. Holding prestigious qualifications, including Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Dr. Shams brings extensive expertise in family medicine and chronic disease management.
With a special interest in diabetes care, he has earned a Diploma in Diabetes, allowing him to provide comprehensive management and personalised treatment plans for patients with diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Dr. Shams is dedicated to delivering patient-centred care, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for individuals and families.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Arabic, and Sindhi, Dr. Shams is committed to serving diverse communities, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive healthcare. Whether it’s preventive care, chronic disease management, or general family medicine, Dr. Shams prioritises patient well-being and long-term health.

Dr. Haris Akhtar
Experienced Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Haris Akhtar is a highly skilled and knowledgeable Family Medicine Physician with over 20 years of diverse medical experience in Dubai and Karachi before relocating to Australia. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care for individuals of all ages and genders, ensuring optimal health outcomes through a preventive and evidence-based approach.
Dr. Akhtar has extensive expertise in managing both chronic and acute conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, joint problems, and basic gynaecological concerns. Additionally, he is proficient in minor surgical procedures such as suturing, foreign body removal, and incision and drainage.
With a strong focus on disease prevention, patient education, and family planning, Dr. Akhtar also specialises in immigration medical assessments and overall health management. His commitment to continuous medical education ensures that he remains at the forefront of modern medical practices.Known for his excellent communication skills and compassionate approach, Dr. Akhtar is dedicated to fostering trust and delivering high-quality healthcare tailored to each patient’s needs.
Book an appointment today and take a step toward better health with Dr. Akhtar!

Dr Vijay Kumar
BMed, MD, PhD, FACP, FACHM (USA)
Dr Vijay Kumar is a highly experienced and globally trained medical professional with a distinguished career spanning over 26 years across Australia and the United States. Holding degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and St George’s University/New York University, Dr Kumar is a proud Fellow of both the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the American College of Hospital Medicine (FACHM).
Currently based in Portland, Victoria, Dr Kumar has been serving the local community in General Practice, Emergency Medicine, and Urgent Care since 2018. His clinical expertise is backed by extensive hospital experience, including long-standing roles at Portland Hospital (VIC), Nepean Hospital (NSW), and the University of Chicago’s teaching hospitals in the US.
With a solid foundation in Emergency and Urgent Care Medicine across both countries, Dr Kumar also brings two decades of critical care and hospital medicine experience from the United States. His patient-centred approach, combined with academic excellence and real-world insight, has made him a trusted name in medical care and education alike.