Dr Katie Franks

Dr Katie Franks - a GP for mums and bubs!

MBBS, FRACGP, GRADCERTMED(PAEDS), GCERT TRAVM

Dr Katie Franks (she/her) received her medical degree from James Cook University, Townsville in 2013. Following graduation, she relocated to Brisbane to commence her internship at Mater Health Services. She then completed an additional 3 years of hospital residency, gaining experience in obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics / neonatology, emergency medicine and internal medicine. Dr Katie commenced specialist GP training in 2018 and was awarded fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2020. 

Katie is passionate about providing quality care and support to young families; in particular, perinatal care (care for mums and bubs). She has undergone extensive postgraduate training to help achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients.  She completed Possums’ Neuroprotective Developmental Care accreditation in December 2019*, gaining additional skills in holistic infant sleep/settling and breastfeeding/lactation support. Katie worked 1 day a week in The Brisbane Possums Clinic between January 2021 and March 2023. Katie is currently completing Lyndsey Hookway’s Holistic Sleep Coaching mini course to extend her skills in the toddler / preschooler years. 

Katie is a professional member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and is listed on Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/New Zealand. She is currently preparing to sit the IBCLC examinations in 2024 to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - watch this space for updates! 

Katie offers comprehensive family planning advice from contraception, preconception, pregnancy and postpartum care. She undertakes GP antenatal shared-care in alignment with Metro North (RBWH) maternity services. (Fun fact - pregnancy care is her favourite type of GP consultation!)

Katie provides supportive care for miscarriage and primary care work-up for infertility.  She is certified in Implanon insertion, and administration of medication for medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP), registered with Children By Choice. 

Katie is a current member of the Australasian Menopause Society, which provides ongoing education for doctors interested in the management of menopausal symptoms and women’s health in midlife. 

Katie has a special interest in the care of other doctors (particularly in regards to perinatal care) and is working through training with DRS4DRS. 

Katie has post-graduate qualifications in travel medicine, and was recognised for her achievements in Travel Medicine with the 2021 Travel Health Advisory Group Medal. She is an avid traveller, having visited every continent bar Antarctica (on the bucket list!. When not at work, you can find Katie spending time with her family and exploring local parks and eateries, and partaking in pilates classes. 

Special Interests

Women’s Health:

  • Pre-conception counselling / pregnancy planning

  • GP antenatal shared-care

  • Contraception (including Implanon insertion)

  • Menstrual abnormalities / pelvic pain

  • Endocrine (hormone) disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism and diabetes

  • Menopause

  • Infertility / pregnancy loss

  • Medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP)

Postnatal, Infant & Toddler care::

  • Holistic sleep consultations (gentle responsive methods only, no 'cry-it-out'!)

  • Lactation support / breastfeeding difficulties

  • Weight concerns and ‘failure-to-thrive'

  • Tongue tie assessment

  • Crying / unsettled behaviours (including gas / ‘colic’ / reflux)

  • Starting solids

  • Food allergies and eczema

  • Parental mood concerns

* Dr Katie Franks has not maintained Possums’ NDC accreditation as of October 2023

Katie is available for consultations at Neighbourhood Medical on regularly Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, as well as some Thursdays and Saturdays. 

**Please note Dr Franks will be on maternity leave from Mid-August 2024, returning early 2025.