Medical Team
Dr Mike Boggild
Consultant Neurologist – MD FRACP MRCP
Having graduated from Leicester University in 1986 and trained in neurology at several UK centres between 1986 and 1996, Mike Boggild is the ‘senior citizen’ of Townsville Neurosciences.
In 1996 he was appointed Consultant Neurologist at The Walton Centre in Liverpool, UK with a specialist interest in the diagnosis and management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The MS service subsequently developed in Liverpool was recognised by the UK MS Society as the ‘Best Comprehensive MS Service’ in the UK. He also established, with colleagues in Oxford, a UK wide service for the diagnosis and management of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO or Devic’s disease). He was one of two clinical leads for the UK MS ‘risk-sharing scheme’, a 5,000-patient study which facilitated the availability of disease modifying therapies for MS in the UK and established their cost-effectiveness over a 10-year study.
In 2012 he relocated to North Queensland with his family to take up the post of Director of Neurology for the newly established neurology service at what is now Townsville University Hospital; a department which has developed into perhaps the most comprehensive regional neurology service in Australia.
His practice covers all aspects of general neurology but maintains a focus on diagnosis and management of MS; a subject on which he has been active in both research and teaching throughout his career, lecturing nationally and internationally on MS management and having published over 100 peer reviewed papers.
He continues to practice both publicly and privately across North Queensland and has been appointed Senior Lecturer in Neurology at James Cook University where he supervises both neurology trainees and honours students.
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Dr Ravindra Urkude
Consultant Neurologist – DM DNB MD FRACP
Dr Ravi Urkude is an experienced Neurologist and clinical Neurophysiologist. He is a fellow of Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP) and has completed a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology focusing on Nerve conduction study, Electromyography, disorders of the nerve and muscles. He has extensive experience as a consultant Neurologist working in India, Singapore, Bahrain and Australia.
He has a passion for delivery of high quality neurology and Neurophysiology services and areas of clinical neurology. His main clinical interest includes disorders of the nerves and muscles (Motor Neuron Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, peripheral Neuropathy, Gullian Barre Syndrome/CIDP, Muscular Dystrophy) and neurophysiology testing which includes Nerve conduction and EMG study.
Dr Urkude holds the position of Senior Staff Specialist at Townsville University Hospital. He is also a senior lecturer at James Cook University.
He is actively involved in teaching and research and has multiple publications in peer reviewed journals.
He is fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi.
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Dr Firas Al-Nidawi
Consultant Neurologist – MBChB FIBMS FRACP
Dr. Firas Al-Nidawi is a highly skilled neurologist with over two decades of experience, currently practicing as a Consultant Neurologist at Townsville University Hospital. He specialises in treating stroke patients, managing headaches, and administering Botulinum Toxin therapy for chronic migraines.
A 2002 graduate of Baghdad Medical College, Dr. Al-Nidawi completed his specialisation in Adult Neurology in 2012. Driven by a strong interest in stroke medicine, he further enhanced his expertise by earning a master’s degree in Stroke Medicine from Danube University in Austria. After nearly ten years of practice in Bahrain, he moved to Australia, where he achieved his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP) in Neurology.
An active researcher, Dr. Al-Nidawi has authored multiple publications on stroke treatment and prevention. Dedicated to evidence-based care, he also plays a key role in medical education and the development of neurological services. His patient-centered approach combines clinical precision, empathy, and a commitment to improving outcomes for those with complex neurological conditions.
Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about mentoring aspiring neurologists and staying at the forefront of advancements in his field.
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Dr Linda Tjoa
Consultant Neurologist – MBBS FRACP
Dr Linda Tjoa is an experienced neurologist. She obtained her medical degree from University of Queensland and completed her Neurology Specialist training throughout major hospitals in Queensland, including Townsville University Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Mater Hospital Brisbane, where she obtained her training in Epilepsy. She went on to work at the Mater Advanced Epilepsy Unit in Brisbane before returning to Townsville.
She looks after the full range of general neurology conditions, and her special interest is in Epilepsy. She also performs botulinum toxin injections for neurological conditions and offers Nerve Conduction Study for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
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Dr Andrew Charmley
Consultant Neurologist – FRACP MBBS BSc (Biomed)
Dr Andrew Charmley is a dedicated and skilful neurologist who is lead for movement disorders and the Director of Neurology at Townsville University Hospital. At Townsville Neurosciences, he offers botulinum toxin injections for both migraine and dystonia.
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Dr Divya Kiran Sharma
Consultant Psychiatrist - FRANZCP, MBBS, BSc Cert Cons Liaison Psych
Dr Kiran Sharma is a dual trained Consultation Liaison and General Adult
Psychiatrist with her fellowship training fully completed in Townsville under the Royal
Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). She completed her
medical degree from James Cook University in Townville in 2015 and completed a
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences from the University of Toronto in Canada in
2005.
Dr Sharma utilises a holistic and trauma - responsive approach to care. She
prioritises an understanding of the person she reviews and customises treatment for
psychiatric recovery. She has a passion for improving access to and delivery of high
quality health care, education, research, and training in medicine and in
psychiatry. She is a senior lecturer at James Cook University and a RANZCP
supervisor for registrars in basic and advanced training.
Dr Sharma has interest and specialist training in consultation-liaison psychiatry in the
general hospital, perinatal psychiatry, co-morbid complex medical and psychiatric
issues, neuropsychiatry and neurostimulation. She provides care to defence,
veterans, work cover clients and all patients looking to enhance their mental well
being.
Dr Sharma clinically led the re-establishment of the Townsville University Hospital
Perinatal Emotional Wellbeing Service since 2024. She is currently working in
Townsville University Hospital as the Consultation Liaison Psychiatrist (CL) and is
credentialed to offer CL services at Mater Hospital in Townsville, ensuring patients
can access psychiatric care during medical and surgical admissions. Dr Sharma
practices privately at Townsville Neurosciences Clinic and is credentialed to refer
patients for outpatient programs and inpatient admissions at Townsville Private
Clinic. She is committed to providing psychiatric services equitably in both private
and public sectors.
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