Dr Sarah McDonnell

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Dr Sarah McDonnell studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, qualifying with honours in 2001 and was drawn to general practice due to its’ focus on comprehensive, whole person care. Sarah is passionate about the difference high quality GP care can make to individuals, families and society.  Sarah has practiced as a GP for almost 20 years in Ireland, regional Victoria, and Brisbane since moving here in 2016. 

Whilst she is happy to see patients of all ages and genders, Sarah has developed particular skills and experience in sexual and reproductive health. She has completed the National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health with additional training in long acting contraceptive device insertion, including Mirena insertion. Trauma informed care is a core part of her practice. Sarah offers shared antenatal care for women attending RBWH. Sarah is one of the GPs at Neighbourhood Medical consulting in the endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic.

Sarah 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 and has a strong interest in women’s wellbeing during perimenopause and menopause. 

Sarah obtained her Masters in Public Health from Monash University in 2018 and understands the importance of preventive medicine for individuals and communities.  She also completed a postgraduate diploma in dermatology and a certificate in skin cancer medicine and is experienced in medical dermatology, including skin checks and management of common conditions such as eczema in general practice.

Sarah has also been involved in medical education throughout her career, including as a previous supervisor with GPTQ and a current tutor for UQ medical students undertaking general practice placements. Advocacy for general practice is also important to Sarah, and she has been a past member of the RACGP Victoria Women in GP committee and Queensland RACGP New Fellows Committee.

As well as spending time with her family she enjoys yoga, running and being outdoors. She is now happily settled in Brisbane’s inner west and is delighted to own and run Neighbourhood Medical in collaboration with Dr Nicole White.

Special Interests:

  • Women’s Health including pregnancy related care

  • Contraception including intrauterine device insertion (Mirena/ Kyleena)

  • Period problems, PCOS and pelvic pain (including pain during sex)

  • Menopause and perimenopause

  • Sexual Health - LGBTQIA+ friendly

  • PrEP

  • Management and prevention of chronic diseases

  • Medical dermatology

Dr Sarah McDonnell is available regularly on Monday, Wednesday (late evening appointments) and Thursday, with variable availability on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. 

As of mid April 2023, Sarah is taking limited new patients only - menopause consultations and Mirena assessments (bookable online or by phoning reception), as well as family members of existing patients (please phone reception for this option).