Medical Team

Dr Mike Boggild

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

Dr Ravindra Urkude

Consultant Neurologist – MD FRACP MRCP

Dr Ravi Urkude is an experienced Neurologist and clinical Neurophysiologist. He is a fellow of Royal Australian College of Physician (FRACP) and has completed fellowship in clinical neurophysiology focussing of 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 passion for delivery of high quality neurology and Neurophysiology services. He is passionate about all areas of clinical neurology. His main clinical interest includes disorders of the nerve 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 currently is the clinical director of Neurology and Senior Staff Specialist at Townsville University Hospital. He is also senior lecturer at James Cook University.

He is actively involved in teaching and research and has multiple publication in peer reviewed journal.

He is fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi.
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Dr Firas Al-Nidawi

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 in Australia. 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

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

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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