Heartcheck
World Class Team
Founded by leading Cardiologist Dr Krys Milburn, HeartCheck provides the best cardiologists in Christchurch, Auckland, Wanaka and Queenstown, in one place.
PGDipMedTech (Cardiology), GradDip Cardiac Sonography (Christchurch)
Mike is a Christchurch-born cardiac sonographer and cardiac physiologist with extensive experience in echocardiography across both adult and paediatric patients.
He completed his training at Otago University and the Queensland University of Technology, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Technology (Cardiology) and a Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Sonography.
Mike worked as a Cardiac Physiologist and Sonographer at Southland Public Hospital from 2016 to 2023 before returning to Christchurch, where he now works at Christchurch Public Hospital.
Mike enjoys the diagnostic nature of echocardiography and the use of non-invasive imaging to help solve the puzzle behind a patient’s symptoms. He is known for creating a calm and reassuring environment for patients while being able to get the detailed information clinicians need to guide patient care. Mike also performs paediatric echocardiograms, bringing valuable specialised expertise to the HeartCheck team.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys surfing whenever the ocean provides a good wave!
GDU – Cardiac (Distinction) from QUT
Marika is a dedicated and skilled Cardiac Sonographer who joined the team after relocating from Australia to Queenstown with her family. Driven by a desire for a balanced, outdoor lifestyle, Marika brings her expertise to our community.
With a Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Marika’s professional journey encompasses extensive experience in both private and public healthcare sectors across Queensland and Western Australia.
Marika’s passion lies in contributing to the early detection and ongoing care of heart conditions. She finds immense satisfaction in the pivotal role she plays in each scan, ensuring accurate and compassionate healthcare.
“I enjoy the challenges that every scan brings. There is always something new to learn.”
Originally from Whakatāne, Chantelle still has strong family ties to her hometown but has called Christchurch home since 2016. Her journey into cardiac imaging began with a passion for sport science, completing a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) at the University of Otago and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at Georgia Southwestern State University in 2013.
Building on her foundation in health, Chantelle went on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound at the Queensland University of Technology in 2023.
Chantelle has gained extensive experience in cardiac physiology and imaging, having worked as a Cardiac Physiology Technician with the Canterbury District Health Board from 2017 to 2021, before moving into a role as a Cardiac Sonographer with Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha Canterbury in 2021.
Outside of work, Chantelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves making the most of holidays together.
BSc, PGDipMedTech (Cardiology), PGDip Cardiac Ultrasound
Ashleigh was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand when she was 15.
Her path into cardiology started early. Her grandmother had rheumatic heart disease as a child and had three of her four valves replaced with mechanical ones. The sound of those valves sparked an interest that never left her and would set her on her career path. Exercise is a big part of her life too, so exercise physiology and cardiology go hand in hand.
She completed her BSc at the University of Auckland, a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Technology (Cardiology) at the University of Otago, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiac Ultrasound at Queensland University of Technology.
Ashleigh has vast experience working in a wide variety of clinics in New Zealand, including Wellington, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Dunedin, and with a recent move to Ōtautahi Christchurch, we were excited to have her also join our team.
Patients are her favourite part of the job. She likes contributing to someone’s diagnostic journey, knowing the work will give them answers and a plan for treatment. Seeing a patient before and after surgery is the most rewarding part of all, watching someone go from symptomatic to getting on with life as normal.
Outside of work, Asheleigh is outdoors as much as she can be, ideally with her dog in tow. She also loves to travel and plans most of her trips around scuba diving.
Katherine, a Cantabrian through and through, returned home after her overseas adventures, drawn to the ease of navigating Christchurch and the quick access to the beach and countryside.
As an experienced RN, Katherine’s career has been diverse, with her most recent role focused on supporting heart failure patients. This paved her path into cardiology at South Island Heart.
Nursing is in Katherine’s blood; inspired by her family’s legacy and her grandfather’s hospital stays, she’s committed to providing care and building trust.
Katherine’s strengths include her caring attitude, positivity, and an unceasing desire to learn, all of which she channels into her patient care.
“One of my favourite things about my job is meeting new people daily, answering their questions, and working with an exceptional team.”
With more than two decades of nursing experience, Christie is our cardiac nurse based at HeartCheck’s Queenstown clinic.
Born in Invercargill and raised in Te Anau, Christie graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from Otago Polytechnic in 2003. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science through the Southern Institute of Technology in 2013.
Christie has worked in Dunedin, Brisbane, Invercargill and Queenstown, gaining experience in a range of areas including paediatrics, practice nursing and adult medicine.
She enjoys working closely with patients and their families, supporting them throughout their healthcare journey and helping them improve their health.
Outside of work, Christie enjoys spending time with her family and making the most of the outdoors on her doorstep, and can be found tramping and bush walking in summer and heading up the mountain in winter.
“What appeals to me about nursing is the opportunity to work directly with people and support them in improving their health. It’s a profession that combines knowledge, practical skills and genuine care for patients. “
Born and bred here in the South, Andrea grew up in Dunedin and later Central Otago, a place that she still enjoys to visit regularly.
After training at Otago University, Andrea worked in areas throughout both New Zealand and Australia before settling in London for many years where she worked within the UK NHS hospitals.
She enjoyed her time working with patients in both the Coronary Care Units and in Cardiac Rehabilitation while there.
Andrea has always enjoyed the variety and scope offered within her nursing career, and the many different areas of the profession that have led her specifically to Cardiology.
“One of my favourite parts of my job is supporting patients to feel confident in managing their health issues, and ensuring they are well informed.”
Originally born in England, Sadie came to New Zealand as a child with her schoolteacher parents. The family moved between schoolhouses in places like Ngamatapuri and Mount Somers before settling in Christchurch and Rangiora.
Her training started out at Christchurch Polytechnic (now Ara) and the University of Auckland, where she completed a Bachelor of Nursing and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice. She then went on to become a designated registered nurse prescriber. Describing herself as a life-learner, Sadie makes a point of staying across the latest guidelines and innovations in heart care.
Her career has always had a cardiac focus. Starting out as a ward nurse and cath lab nurse at Christchurch Hospital, she then moved into practice nursing to be closer to her kids as they grew up, and this led to running heart failure clinics. She returned to the hospital for three years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Heart Failure, then spent a year helping GP practices set up clinics of their own.
Working closely with people living with heart failure showed her not only how much the right medication can change someone’s life but how hard it can be for patients to keep on top of all the changes. Becoming a prescriber meant she could get people onto the right treatment sooner, making a huge difference to their lives and wellbeing.
A heart failure diagnosis can feel like the end of the road. Sadie’s job is to show people it isn’t. She loves helping them feel better and get back to the things they worried they’d lost.
A highlight of her week is the South Island Heart Living Well group, an exercise and support group for people with heart failure. Seeing people get stronger week by week never gets old. She also runs a Heart Failure Special Interest education group for clinicians, and a cardiac rehab exercise group in her hometown of Rangiora.
Outside work, Sadie lives in beautiful North Canterbury with her husband and two daughters. Weekends revolve around cricket and netball, plus long beach walks with the dog. Given a (rare) spare moment, you’ll find her curled up with a cuppa and a good book.
MMedSci (Distinction) Otago, FRACP, FASE
Dr. Christina Chan is a distinguished General and Imaging Cardiologist with a passion for patient-centered care.
She earned her medical degree from Otago Medical School and furthered her expertise with a Master’s degree in Medical Science. Her cardiology training took place at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand, followed by a prestigious fellowship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia.
Dr Chan has a unique focus on the impact of stress on heart health, making her a sought-after expert in this field.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she leads a fulfilling life as a devoted mother of two boys. In her free time, she cherishes quality moments with her family, indulges in reading, explores her creative side through crafting, and enjoys exploring new destinations through her travels.
With her dedication to cardiology and a well-rounded approach to life, Christina embodies excellence in healthcare and the pursuit of a balanced, fulfilling life.
MB BS, MRCP, FRACP
Dr James brings an exceptional blend of expertise and accomplishments to our HeartCheck team.
Trained in the UK and having spent research time in Portland, Oregon, he found his way to New Zealand where he is recognised not only for his extensive medical knowledge but also for his dedication to patient care.
James’ focus revolves around two key interests: echocardiography and pacing. While his professional pursuits are impressive, he’s also a huge enthusiast of the outdoors, where you’ll often find him at the end of a fishing rod, exploring hiking trails or out and about running.
One amazing life highlights of his was from his participation in the 2022 New York Marathon. In October he’s off to compete in the 2023 Chicago Marathon. James continues to exemplify dedication and the pursuit of excellence and we’re proud to have him on our HeartCheck team.
MBCHB, FRACP, FCSANZ, FSCAI
Dr Krys Milburn graduated from the University of Otago Medical School. He trained in Cardiology at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney Australia, before undertaking an interventional fellowship at Christchurch hospital.
He was awarded a New Zealand Heart Foundation grant and undertook a structural heart fellowship at the prestigious St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Dr. Krys Milburn was appointed as consultant cardiologist at Dunedin hospital in 2014 serving the lower South Island. He is now specialising in clinical cardiology and interventional cardiology including; complex percutaneous coronary interventions, chronic total occlusions (CTO), and rotational atherectomy, as well as structural heart interventions including; transcatheter valve implantations (TAVI), patent foramen oval closure (PFO) and percutaneous paravalvular leak closure.
Growing up on the West Coast of the South Island, Tina began her career in the West Coast DHB as an Admissions Officer. She then went on to hold the role of Lead Receptionist and Administrator at a GP Practice in Lincoln for fifteen years.
As someone that has always liked to assist people in the health industry, and having spent a number of years in public health, Tina took the plunge to move into the private sector. She is HeartCheck and South Island Heart’s Practice Manager, and will likely be your first greeting upon visiting the practice.
A keen multi-tacker and organiser, Tina enjoys keeping the day-to-day activities of South Island Heart operating smoothly. She enjoys her interactions with the patients, and liked to ensure that they are welcomed and that they are well looked after and comfortable upon their arrival.
“The favourite part of my job is ensuring everyone’s day is running smoothly.”
Born and raised in Southland, Courtney now calls Arrowtown home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. She has been part of the community for 31 years, embracing the Wakatipu lifestyle with a love for snowboarding, hiking, and reading.
After traveling overseas, Courtney returned to New Zealand and built a career in health administration, including co-owning a local Queenstown physiotherapy clinic. She brings her experience and enthusiasm to her role as receptionist.
Debs grew up on a lifestyle block in Paerata, just outside of Pukekohe. She was surrounded by animals and the outdoors, which she attributes to her big love of the outdoors now as an adult.
With a varied career in customer service, Debs began her career in the UK where she was a buyer in the fashion industry. This role allowed her the ability to travel widely, growing her love for meeting new people and experiencing different cultures and ways of life.
Citing the people and work culture as her favourite part of the job, you’ll find Debs on the front desk at South Island Heart, where you’ll be greeted with a smile and a positive attitude.
She enjoys liaising with patients to help them feel at ease, and being part of a workplace where everyone is friendly and approachable.
“The best part of my job is working in a positive environment, with great team support.”
Kat was born and raised in Christchurch, the place she will always refer to as home.
With years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and small business owner, Kat was employed to oversee the running of the business, including managing day-to-day operations, human resources, finances, and lease and equipment oversight. Kat loves the variety this role has to offer, alongside the incredible team she gets to work with.
Most of all, Kat enjoys knowing the real difference the team is making to people’s lives.
“Working in the field of cardiology and being able to provide efficient, accurate and caring support for people is hugely rewarding.
Emma is based in Christchurch, New Zealand where she founded South Island Heart and HeartCheck with Dr Krys Milburn.
Her role is firmly focused on ensuring the South Island Heart team has a balanced, positive, healthy work environment, which in turn ensures they can continue to provide excellent services.
Emma is passionate about providing excellent and accessible cardiology services to the South Island Heart community, based across Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
“I enjoy looking after the team – so they can look after you.”
