Indian Medical Association of Australia, Queensland Branch (IMAQ)
The Indian Medical Association of Australia – Queensland Branch (IMAQ), established in 2017, is a dynamic and dedicated not-for-profit organisation registered under the QLD Associations Inc. Act (IA 57004). Based in Queensland, it serves as a vibrant community of doctors of Indian origin who proudly call Australia their home. We value and celebrate Australia’s multicultural society, which has embraced our members and allowed us to integrate fully into the healthcare system, making meaningful contributions across a range of specialties and sectors.
With a growing membership of over 600 professionals, IMAQ includes General Practitioners (GPs), specialists, junior doctors, and academics who actively contribute to advancing healthcare in both public and private sectors. Many of our members also hold esteemed academic positions at Queensland’s leading medical universities. This diverse and highly skilled group is unified by a shared commitment to excellence in healthcare, and we continuously strive to improve patient care and wellbeing across the community.
IMAQ’s work extends beyond healthcare provision into social responsibility. We have initiated and hosted significant community-based activities, such as Domestic Violence Symposiums and online health clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives highlight our unwavering commitment to both the professional development of our members and the welfare of the broader community. Our engagement has also included special projects, such as hosting teams for the World Games for Children with Intellectual Disabilities.
The IMAQ also maintains an active presence in the media, with a monthly health radio program, health-related articles in local Indian publications, and Continuing Medical Education meetings for our members. These initiatives foster both education and awareness within the Indian community and the broader Queensland population. Additionally, our close ties with prominent medical associations like the Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) and specialist professional colleges allow us to stay at the forefront of the healthcare industry and advocate for policies that benefit our members and patients alike.
Each year, IMAQ organizes Diwali celebrations, a key cultural event in the Indian community, which brings together our members and their families for a joyful celebration of the Festival of Lights. The most recent Diwali event was held on October 12th at Stamford Plaza Brisbane, showcasing IMAQ’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Indian cultural heritage while fostering unity among healthcare professionals.
Dr Cyril Fernandez – President of IMAQ
At the helm of IMAQ is Dr Cyril Fernandez, a highly respected General Practitioner (GP) with over 20 years of experience in the Australian medical system. Dr Fernandez is deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of his patients and the wider community. As President of IMAQ, he leads the organisation with a focus on enhancing the professional growth of doctors of Indian origin and supporting various healthcare initiatives in Queensland.
Dr Fernandez was born in Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala, India, on April 18, 1959, and completed his medical education at Kottayam Government Medical College and BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, India. He moved to Australia in 2003 with his wife and two daughters, establishing his practice at WISHART Medical Centre in Brisbane. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and has held numerous leadership and mentorship roles in the medical community. He has served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland and has been an examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Dr Fernandez’s work extends beyond clinical practice. He is a committed mental health advocate and has been listed on Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute websites as a mental health care provider. His expertise also includes focused psychological strategies (FPS) and he regularly facilitates workshops for GPs, medical students, and GP registrars. He has played a pivotal role in the “AP KI SEHAT PROGRAM”—a program aimed at providing health and wellness advice, especially to the Indian community in Queensland, and has been a key voice in discussions on mental health, domestic violence, and other community welfare issues.
Dr Fernandez’s leadership extends to his role as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) for CASA, where he conducts medical assessments for pilots and air traffic controllers. He is also actively involved in health services for coal mine and MMQ workers. His contributions to the Indian medical community have not gone unnoticed, as he was named a nominee in the Courier Mail Queensland Indian Power List for 2024.
Dr Fernandez’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to improving healthcare for all communities in Queensland have shaped IMAQ into a dynamic and influential force in the healthcare landscape.
Contact Information for IMAQ:
Indian Medical Association of Australia – Queensland Chapter
101/149 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Phone: +61 404 433 044
Email: admin@ima-australia.org
Finally, Dr Cyril Fernandez and his team continue to make invaluable contributions to healthcare and the community through IMAQ, promoting the values of excellence, multiculturalism, and compassion in every aspect of their work.
