Our Doctors
Dr John Russell
MBChB, DipObst. FRNZCGP
I have worked in General Practice in Hillsborough since 1987. I enjoy the variety of General Practice and the close interaction with my patients and staff.
I have further training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and spent 10 years delivering babies, many of whom are still patients. I have further training in minor surgery and also offer vasectomy and infant circumcision. I lead the GP College quality programme Cornerstone, for our clinic.
Outside of work, I enjoy road cycling, gardening and catching the occasional trout. I am married to Judith and have 3 adult children.
Dr Ivan Connell
MBChB, DipObst, FRNZCGP
I grew up in Hillsborough and was a patient at the Hillsborough Medical Centre before studying medicine at the University of Otago in Dunedin and Wellington. Since my graduation I worked at Dunedin Hospital, then in London and Paris. I started as a GP at the Hillsborough Medical Centre in 1985.
I practiced obstetrics until 2004, delivering more than 1000 babies. My General Practice includes performing surgical procedures including infant circumcision, in our fully equipped operating theatre. In addition to General Practice, I work as a Vein Specialist and have a Varicose Vein Clinic at the Ascot Hospital.
I am married to Margaret and have a daughter. When not at work I enjoy golf, cooking, music and languages.
Dr Robyn Chandler
MBChB, DCH, PGCertWHlth, FRNZCGP
I grew up in Auckland and have known Ivan for many years. I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 and completed the Diploma in Child Health working at Hawke's Bay Hospital. I then had an exciting three years in the UK and Central Australia, working in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
On returning to NZ, I completed the Certificate in Women's Health and General Practice and Rural Hospital Fellowships. I worked in Central Otago, Thames and Northland, and then as a GP in Drury for six years.
I joined the team at Hillsborough in 2018. I enjoy all aspects of General Practice, particularly developing long term relationships with patients and families.
I am married to Bjoern and we have three young children. Outside of work, I enjoy family time exploring our vibrant city and beautiful country, tramping and camping.
Dr Tilda Samuelson
MBChB
I am originally from the UK and moved to New Zealand with my family in 2014.
I studied medicine at Edinburgh University and then worked in a variety of specialties in hospitals across Scotland, Wales and England before doing my GP training in London. I worked as a GP in London for 6 years and gained a Diploma from the Faculty of Family Planning.
I worked as a GP in West Auckland for 9 years; more recently I have also started working at a Rest Home once a week.
I met Robyn Chandler through a GP group and am very excited to start working with her and the team at Hillsborough Medical Centre.
I enjoy all aspects of General Practice, particularly getting to know patients and the diversity that general practice provides.
My partner and I have 2 children. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new parts of New Zealand and attending art exhibitions.
Dr Lauren Brenner
MBChB, FRNZCGP
I have worked in General Practice in Auckland since 2011. I am passionate and interested in my patients and their unique stories and I consider it a great privilege to work alongside patients to help guide them through their health and wellbeing journeys.
I have further training in women’s health and have completed a diploma in family planning, sexual and reproductive health in 2017. I am also interested in mental health and worked for several years as a psychiatry registrar in my early training.
Outside of work my interests include improvisation theatre, performance poetry and I enjoy music festivals and the arts. I have 2 teenage daughters, Ashley and Isabelle, a pre-teen son named Sam and Lola the retro-doodle.
Dr Andrew Wearn.
MBChB, MMedSc, MRCGP, FRNZCGP
I completed my undergraduate and GP training at Birmingham in the UK. I then worked half-time as a GP in Handsworth and half-time as a clinical academic at Birmingham University. In 2001 we moved to NZ, where I took up a position at the University of Auckland. I am involved in a range of teaching activities, research projects, and leadership roles, particularly with the Medical Programme Directorate that oversees the medical degree (MBChB).
Since 2013 I have worked one session a week at Hillsborough Medical Centre. I appreciate the grounding that this gives to my academic activities, and enjoy the variety of clinical work. I am married, live on the North Shore and have two sons. We love the landscape and wildlife of NZ and there is nothing better than a summer’s day at an east coast beach.