Kevin Tims is a dentist with a difference. While the first half of his practicing career was based on performing conventional dentistry, later years have seen him pursuing a different path, using technology to preserve tooth structure.



His forte is enhanced dentistry using a microscope for the most accurate results and optimal gum health. He is the only dentist in the Bay using this instrument for this purpose. Procedures – ranging from a simple tooth whitening to a full cosmetic makeover to improve a smile – are all performed with tooth preservation in mind.



Kevin is committed to a movement in dentistry that uses scientifically proven protocols to reconstruct teeth to mimic nature. This Biomimetic dentistry centres around reproducing the internals of a tooth, and long-lasting cosmetic restorations are the end result.



At Virtuoso he is happy to be working with like-minded medical specialists all sharing an interest in minimally invasive techniques.



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• Computer Designed and Milled Porcelain restorations
• Cosmetic dentistry
• General restorative dentistry
• Carifree System for assessing cavity risk
• Adult Orthodontics using a removable plate

Peter Gilling is ranked number six in the world by Expertscape for his research and treatment of Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPH), a common condition affecting the majority of men aged over 60.



Peter, and colleague Mark Fraundorfer, have been extensively involved in international urology research and have developed surgical techniques now widely used throughout the world. Peter was a pioneer of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery in New Zealand and believes strongly in the minimally invasive philosophy of Virtuoso and the multi-disciplinary solution offered by him and colleagues at the top of their game.



Peter is a leading specialist in the treatment of many urological conditions including not only BPH and Prostate Cancer but also cancer of the kidney and bladder plus male and female incontinence. He is renowned for his state-of-the-art robotic surgery, as well as laser, laparoscopic and cryotherapy surgical techniques.



He is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland and Head of Health NZ Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Clinical School. He has received numerous post graduate awards and fellowships; been involved in many educational and clinical appointments; and held a host of positions on advisory panels and committees.



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• Prostate and bladder cancer
• Robotic surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Laser prostate surgery
• Treatment of all male and female urinary disorders

Mark Fraundorfer is a Urologist with a reputation for excellence. Along with colleague Peter Gilling, Mark has been extensively involved in international urology research, developing surgical techniques and devices, now widely used throughout the world.



Mark is known for his ability to make patients feel at ease and particularly enjoys paediatric surgery. He is dedicated to ensuring the best, most advanced services are available to his patients.



Mark Fraundorfer is an expert in the full range of treatments for urological conditions and has a special interest in:

• Treatment of urinary stone disease
• Brachytherapy of the prostate
• Nano Knife surgery for salvage treatment of prostate cancer
• Reconstruction of congenital abnormalities
• Incontinence
• Pediatric Urology
• Vasectomy reversal

Virtuoso’s minimally invasive approach is an extremely comfortable fit for Brad Chittenden. He is a gynaecologist who specialises in laparoscopic treatment.



Brad undertook his basic medical training in South Africa, then pursued a career in Laparoscopic Gynaecological surgery in the UK where he trained under a foremost laparoscopic surgeon. He is the only gynaecologist in Tauranga who has received advanced training in laparoscopy and has been certified by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for doing so.



He is also the only gynaecologist in Tauranga able to provide a laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy, a technique shown to be vastly superior to what are now considered outdated techniques. Furthermore, he is able to provide a fully comprehensive approach to heavy menstrual bleeding that can be tailored to a patient’s exact requirements. He can offer all options, from endometrial resection to myomectomy to hysterectomy.



The management of endometriosis often requires surgery. The gold standard of surgical care for endometriosis is by a team of laparoscopic surgeons. This team comprises a laparoscopic gynaecologist, colorectal and urological surgeons. Virtuoso is unique in that women can access such a team under one roof.

• Gynaecology
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain / endometriosis
• Urinary incontinence
• Prolapse
• Abnormal smears
• Sterilisation

Jeremy Rossaak believes patients can be assured of getting the best evidence-based care if academic surgeons are on the job.

Such a level of care can be found at Virtuoso, he says. Jeremy is an academic surgeon, with a PhD, and is a senior lecturer with the University of Auckland. Besides his clinical role, he is actively involved in research.

This New Zealand-trained general surgeon has a sub-specialty interest in upper gastrointestinal and Hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery. He specialises in benign and malignant conditions of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder.

He performs therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy of the oesophagus and stomach, the colon, and the bile ducts as well as laparoscopic and open gallbladder, bile duct operations, hernia repairs, stomach, duodenal, small bowel, and colon operations.

Jeremy is affiliated with the Australia and New Zealand Gastric and Oesophageal Society, Australia and New Zealand Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Association, Society for Surgery to the Alimentary Tract, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

• Hernia
• Gallbladder
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Gastro-oesophageal disorders

Virtuoso’s minimally invasive approach is an extremely comfortable fit for Sam Lepine. He is a gynaecologist who specialises in laparoscopic treatment.

Sam undertook his basic medical training at Otago Medical School, then pursued a career in Laparoscopic Gynaecological surgery in Wellington where he trained under a foremost laparoscopic surgeon. He is the only gynaecologist in Tauranga who has completed an Advance Training Module in Laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic surgery and has been certified by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for doing so.

He is able to provide for the Wahine of Tauranga a laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy, a technique shown to be vastly superior to what are now considered outdated techniques. Furthermore, he is able to provide a fully comprehensive approach to heavy menstrual bleeding that can be tailored to a patient’s exact requirements. He can offer all options, from endometrial resection to myomectomy to hysterectomy.

The management of endometriosis often requires surgery. The gold standard of surgical care for endometriosis is by a team of laparoscopic surgeons. This team comprises a laparoscopic gynaecologist, colorectal and urological surgeons. Virtuoso is unique in that women can access such a team under one roof.

He also works in General Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Tauranga Public Hospital and as a Fertility Specialist at Fertility Associates so is ideally positioned for integrated care for patients traversing these aspects of the health sector.

• Gynaecology
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain / endometriosis
• Urinary incontinence
• Prolapse
• Abnormal smears
• Sterilisation
• Pre-conception counselling

Dr. Cinthia Riguetto is a specialist endocrinologist and diabetologist with extensive expertise in managing diabetes and endocrine disorders.



Driven by a strong interest in thyroid diseases—particularly Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer—Dr. Riguetto completed her master’s degree in this field in 2018 and is nearing the completion of her PhD on Graves’ ophthalmopathy.



After finishing her advanced training in Endocrinology (2016), Dr Cínthia worked as a consultant for four years, providing high-quality care for patients with diabetes, mainly focusing on insulin pumps and continuous glucose sensors.



In June 2020, Dr. Riguetto and her husband, Flávio, moved to New Zealand in search of a better work-life balance for their growing family. Since relocating, she has been working as a consultant endocrinologist at the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service in Hamilton, one of the busiest diabetes centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. She also became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).



Dr. Riguetto moved to Tauranga in 2022 and is now part of the Virtuoso Clinic.

Originally from Brazil, Flávio is a highly skilled and accomplished urologist who received his education from São Paulo State University. Early on in his career, he found himself drawn to minimally invasive procedures and further developed his passion for robotic surgery and oncology during his time at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA.



With his urology training in both Brazil and Australia, Flavio has a wealth of experience and profound expertise in robotic surgery for prostate and kidney cancer alongside stone management with laser. He is a former clinical fellow from the prestigious Royal Adelaide Hospital (2016 and 2017) where he had his robotic surgery training with Andrew Fuller and Peter Sutherland, big names in prostate cancer robotic surgery.



His achievements in the field have not gone unnoticed, as he was granted a Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons in 2022, in addition to being a fully registered urologist in NZ and a member of both RACS and the Medical Council of New Zealand.



Flavio is also a humble but keen researcher and has presented his papers at the most prestigious urological meetings in the world. In 2017 he completed his Masters degree with a research on kidney transplantation. In the same year, that research received the Best Poster in Session prize during the European Urology meeting, in London. He is currently working on developing predictive models for prostate cancer patients.



In Tauranga, Flavio also worked at Tauranga Public Hospital, where he was responsible for introducing a new prostate biopsy modality using a novel device that allows the procedure to be performed under local anesthesia and in a less invasive manner. He also played a key role in phasing out the older transrectal prostate biopsy method, which was associated with high complication rates.



During his initial months in New Zealand, he worked under the supervision of Peter Gilling and Mark Fraundorfer, pioneers of laser surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Under their guidance, he mastered the HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) technique, adding this advanced tool to his skill set.



His areas of interest include but are not limited to – Transperineal Prostate Biopsy, Prostate Cancer and Robotic Surgery (robotic prostatectomy), Kidney cancer and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy, Stones and laser surgery, Benign Prostatic Growth and HOLEP surgery, Bladder and testicular cancer, small procedures in urology.



Flavio is happy to receive new referrals, including urgent ones.

Mr. Wikus Vermeulen is a dedicated and compassionate urologist who values the importance of connecting with his patients on a personal level. He believes that understanding the emotional aspects of illness and medical procedures is just as crucial as the physical treatment. Wikus is known for his excellent communication skills, taking the time to get to know his patients well, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their medical journey.

Trained and accredited in robotic surgery, Wikus has a special interest in the treatment of prostate and bladder cancer. He is also highly skilled in all aspects of endourology, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and renal stone disease. His advanced training took him from Bloemfontein, South Africa, where he completed his pre- and post-graduate education, to further specialised training in Belgium, France, Johannesburg, and Tauranga.

With over 15 years of experience as a consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, Wikus is well-equipped to provide comprehensive solutions for a wide range of urological conditions. His expertise is complemented by his commitment to continuous learning and improvement, both in his clinical practice and in the broader field of healthcare.

Wikus is a vocationally registered urologist with the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Health Professionals Council of South Africa. He is also a council member of several prestigious medical organisations, including the South African Colleges of Medicine (Urological College), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the European Association of Urology, and the Société Internationale d’Urologie. Additionally, he serves as an honorary lecturer at Auckland University, contributing to the education and training of future medical professionals.

Beyond his clinical work, Wikus is passionate about imagining and shaping the hospitals of the future, focusing on environmental sustainability and medical innovation. He holds an MBA in international healthcare, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of healthcare business management, hospital establishment, and healthcare economics. This knowledge enables him to effectively contribute to the operational efficiency and sustainability of healthcare infrastructures.

As a forward-thinking surgeon, Wikus recognises the evolving challenges facing global healthcare systems. He is committed to advancing evidence-based, results-driven approaches to surgery, advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence, novel technologies, and transformative leadership. His ultimate goal is to champion initiatives that restore equity within healthcare systems and foster prosperity and sustainability for future generations.

Dr Kylie Gilmore is a Specialist Physician in General & Acute Care Medicine and Obstetric Medicine. She has been working at Tauranga Hospital since 2011. She attended Medical School at the University of Auckland and completed specialist training in General Medicine in 2017. She completed advanced training in Obstetric Medicine at Auckland City Hospital and was awarded the SOMANZ Certificate in Obstetric Medicine in 2017. She is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Auckland and is actively involved in medical student education.

As an Obstetric Physician, Dr Gilmore specialises in caring for women with medical problems which may complicate pregnancy. She welcomes referrals related to medical conditions during pregnancy or for pre-pregnancy counselling.

Dr Gilmore is a skilled physician and has broad experience in general medicine involving acute, chronic and multisystem problems. Dr Gilmore has additional training in mind-body / functional / stress related symptoms.

Dr Gilmore welcomes referrals covering all aspects of medical disorders of pregnancy, pre-pregnancy counselling and general internal medicine. This includes:

• Medical disorders in pregnancy
• Risk assessment and counselling prior to pregnancy
• Internal Medicine – undifferentiated patients and those with complex comorbidities
• Mind-body / functional / stress related issues