About Us

Dr Mark McGovern

Surgeon

Dr. Mark McGovern was the academic Dux of the Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in Brisbane, before graduating M.B.B.S. (University of Qld.) in 1983.

He passed the Part I (Basic Surgery) Examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons only 15 months after graduation (rather than the usual 3 or 4 years after), before training in accredited General and Plastic Surgical Registrar positions in Brisbane and Adelaide.

He completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical training in 1993, passing his part II Plastic Surgery Surgical Examinations at the first opportunity allowed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Following qualification as a plastic surgeon, Mark undertook further voluntary study in England for 12 months, as the Head and Neck Surgical Fellow and Microsurgical Fellow at Europe’s largest teaching hospital, St. James’ University Hospital in Leeds.

He then studied all aspects of cosmetic surgery at several world-renowned centres in the United States, before establishing his practice in Maroochydore in March 1994.

He holds the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)  Certificate of Continuing Professional Standards. This is the only surgical certification in Australia. To find out if a doctor is actually qualified to perform surgery- look for the initials FRACS after their name. this stands for a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Dr. McGovern attends as many national and international conferences and meetings on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as possible each year, which has of course been affected the past few years thanks to Covid-19.

Keeping abreast of changes in this extremely dynamic field is paramount to giving his clientele the very best results, reducing any possible problems associated, and reducing downtime following surgery.

The field of cosmetic surgery is not static and demands a high level of commitment to ensure that you receive the very best treatment and therefore – results.

In January 2011, Dr. McGovern was invited to be a guest speaker at the 25th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in the US Virgin Islands. His extensive experience in the use of cohesive gel breast implants spans 14 years, is rivalled by few internationally.

Since 1994, Dr. McGovern has treated literally thousands of men and women. His experience and commitment to helping you achieve your desired outcome, has resulted in clients traveling from all parts of Australia and overseas.

Dr. McGovern has a reputation for very natural-looking results and this is what he strives for with every patient.

Dr. McGovern is a member of the following professional bodies:

• The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• The Queensland Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
• The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Jan Marret

Registered Nurse

Specialist Cosmetic Injector

My journey with Vie started in 2000, preceded by ten years of assisting Dr McGovern in theatre at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital.

After much deliberation, I accepted an offer to join Dr McGovern and Kathy at what was then Sunshine Coast Plastic Surgery. With the prospect of saying goodbye to shift work, working alongside people I greatly admired and in a clinic that had the most sensational views over the ocean, the decision to move was a ‘no brainer’! The added benefit of looking after people who were actually awake, rather than anaesthetized, was also a big attraction! It was a huge decision for me to leave the hospital environment but one of the best I have ever made.

My role at Vie has evolved and changed over the years, keeping me challenged and excited. I currently look after people who come to the clinic for information, advice and treatments for non surgical procedures as well as assisting patients after their surgery. I enjoy the mixture of both roles as it includes patients of all ages. I have learnt so much in the last 12 years and seen some exciting progressive changes in all areas of the practice.

My focus is aimed at assisting clients to achieve the very best in terms of the way they present themselves to the world. The way we look has become a reflection of who we are as people, how we feel about ourselves and our overall sense of happiness and enjoyment in life! We have so many lovely patients who have been returning to us for many years, it adds to my sense of satisfaction in helping them to achieve their goals.

Dermal fillers and Botox have always been the mainstay of non-surgical rejuvenation, and new advanced techniques have increased their efficacy and scope of use. I feel blessed to be equipped with years of experience which help me tailor every treatment to our client’s exact needs. I enjoy all areas of my work but am particularly drawn to treating the lower face for ageing and reconstructive work. Nothing gives me more pleasure than being able to correct a disfigurement or problem that has caused much embarrassment and heartache for years. The joy these patients experience when they look in the mirror after the treatment is all the thanks I need.

We have been fortunate to access the very best training opportunities over the years and in recent times have been invited to conferences throughout Australia and NZ. I am also extremely flattered to have won the “Cosmetic Injector of the Year” in 2010, alongside my fellow nurse injector, Moira Somers. I feel honored to be classed as a National Champion!

Finally, I consider it a privilege to be able to look after my clients needs, and I get great satisfaction in seeing their self confidence increase with their growing happiness in their appearance. I love my job at Vie and wouldn’t swap it for the world

Moira Somers

Registered Nurse

Specialist Cosmetic Injector

My life on the Sunshine Coast began in 1994 after relocation from Darwin. Soon after this I started work at the Sunshine Coast Day Surgery as a Registered Nurse and part of my role was to look after Dr McGovern’s weekly operating list, where I was also lucky enough to meet Kathy Gambini who at the time was Dr McGovern’s assistant.

It was not long before I also become a client of Vie Institute and Kathy was helping me to stave off the ageing process. At this time I was having both Botox and Collagen injections and loving the results. I continued to work at the day surgery until 2004. In the November of that year I was offered a position by Dr McGovern and started working for Vie Institute in January 2005, and I have never looked back.

I thought the transition would be an easy one but I was very wrong! There was a huge amount of training and it still continues to this day! My role at Vie includes consultations with clients interested in cosmetic surgical procedure; pre and post care of surgical patients; skin care consultations and skin management. In the last few years my role has been focused more on the non surgical side. These days I more often treating clients with dermal filler injections and Botox.

I love this role and continue to learn more and more about different and improving techniques. Clients, once they get over the initial apprehension and of course the occasional bruise, LOVE the results.

My passion is facial volumising whether it be upper, mid or lower face. I also enjoy helping clients who have been affected by facial palsy or injury. This is often more challenging but has equally or possibly more satisfying results.

In the last few years I have also been fortunate enough to step back into theatre, which was my first love, as an assistant for Dr McGovern. So I consider my job to be tailor made – I am lucky enough to be doing all the things I enjoy! I hope to continue my career with Vie for many years to come and look forward to expanding my knowledge in all areas.

Rachel Kannis

Registered Nurse

Specialist Cosmetic Injector

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am very excited to be part of the Vie Institute team.

Below is snapshot of my history and a little bit about my philosophy.

In 2005 while living in the United Kingdom I trained as an internationally recognised Reflexology Holistic Therapist. I loved that I could treat people mentally, emotionally, and physically however wanted a deeper understanding of human anatomy as a whole.

I moved to the Sunshine Coast 2011 and in 2013 I embarked on my degree in Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. For the past 7 years I have been employed by Queensland Health and have been working as a Cardiac, Stroke and Coronary Care Registered Nurse. This has provided me with advanced clinical knowledge and excellent nursing assessment skills.

With my passion for health and wellbeing and belief that we all deserve to be the best version of ourselves, in 2022 I embarked on my career as a Cosmetic Injectables Nurse. I chose to train under a highly regarded plastic surgeon as I wanted to develop skills that were best practice and highly regarded in the industry, thus, giving the best aesthetic results for my client.

As a Cosmetic Injector it is vital to surround yourself with a team that fits with your ethics and values. At the beginning of 2023, I was fortunate to join the Vie Institute team, whom have a wealth of expertise and skill and who are open to sharing their knowledge in the cosmetic and aesthetic industry.

I endeavour as a Cosmetic & Aesthetic Injector to listen to my clients with a thorough consultation, focussed on assessment, and discussing the client’s goals with the aim of providing a well-informed, tailored treatment plan that fits client’s individual needs.

I pride myself on my attention to detail. I am committed to always learning and staying relevant with up-to-date treatments and technique, ensuring I practice safely under the Australian Health Practitioner Agency guidelines.

At Vie, I offer anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatments. My aim is to give clients an experience that will boost their self-confidence and leave them feeling their best with beautiful, rejuvenated, and subtle natural looking results through the art of Cosmetic Medicine.

Michelle Beitsch

Dermal Aesthetician

Advanced Laser Technician

Skin Rejuvenation Specialist

My name is Michelle Beitsch and I have worked at Vie Institute since 2009 as a dermal aesthetician.

My main role at Vie Institute is educating Dr. Mark McGovern’s surgical clients about the benefits of medical grade skin care. We recommend vitamin A and niacinamide creams and various supplements to all of our skin cancer clients, to prevent further skin cancers developing. To our facial cosmetic surgery clients we explain how important it is to prepare your skin before surgery and then help them to maintain their amazing results with a solid medical grade skin regime following surgery.

I am particularly passionate about working with the skin conditions that people find difficult to treat, such as rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne. OPf course, on the Sunshine Coast, a lot of the problems that we see every day are those of sun-damage , causing premature ageing of the skin.

I am well known for my passion about turning clients skin around and having these results lasting long term. I like to spend time working out what triggers these individual skin problems and helping my clients understand that it is often what they are eating, or not eating.

I am blessed at Vie Institute, under Dr McGovern’s guiding hand, to be able to work with amazing medical grade skincare ranges and vitamins. Being a medical practice we can really push the strength of the treatments we offer and also have at hand chemical peels, various lasers , skin needling and epi-blading to really reverse and repair the damage that has been done, and bring out new, shiny and healthy skin.

It’s not just amazing medical grade skincare and treatment, it’s about the whole you, vitamins, foods and inner health that then leads to long term skin health and happiness.

I love working with my clients long term and to continue seeing improvements in their skin.

The way we look affects the way we feel and that can lead to long term health issues so if I can help people look better, feel better then I know long term, I’m changing people’s lives. That is why I do my job and still love it after all these years because I love people saying “ thank you, I can’t believe how good I feel and how good I look”. No matter what the issue was to start with its all about getting results and helping people long term.

Katherine Gambini

Cosmetic Consultant

Hi, I’m Katherine.

Most of you will know me as I have been the heart and soul of Vie Institute since its inception in 1994. I have been in every role in the practice and in fact started every role- receptionist, typist, theatre bookings, practice manager, skin therapist, every nursing role – surgical and non-surgical, including assisting Dr McGovern in the operating theatre for 15 years.

In July 2022, I handed over the practice management reins to Katie, who I had been grooming for the role for many years. She was the perfect choice.

Today I work remotely as a cosmetic consultant which basically means I am here to answer all enquiries about cosmetic surgery. With more than 30 years’ experience in the plastic surgical/ cosmetic industry, I can answer all of your questions.

Whether you choose to email or call, I am very happy to provide you with all of the information you may want, including costs on cosmetic procedures.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your concerns.

Katie Wulf

Practice Manager

My name is Katie, in March 2014 I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to join the team here at Vie Institute. The professional reputation of Dr McGovern and exceptional industry knowledge of his staff made this an easy choice for me.

Over the past 5 years, our practice manager and Dr McGovern encouraged me, and paid to put me through my practice managers certification. With this under my belt and the many years of working as a senior administration officer, I took over the practice management in July 2022.

I have been lucky enough to live and raise my busy family here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and to work in such a positive industry with the very best cometic team possible. You may not see me in the rooms as I work behind the scene, but I am always available for any questions you may have or to help you in any way.

Andrea

Theatre Booking Clerk

My name is Andrea and I’m excited to begin my role as Theatre Booking Clerk here at Vie Institute! Dr McGovern’s reputation and natural looking outcomes made it an easy choice for me to join the team.

I have fourteen years experience in the medical industry, in roles such as medical receptionist, doctor’s assistant and most recently a practice manager. I look forward to using the skills I’ve acquired in these positions and the training I’m receiving to make your surgical booking process as smooth as I can from your first phone call through to your last follow up after your surgery. I find building a relationship with our patients throughout their surgical process very rewarding and love seeing how happy they are with their results!

Since working at Vie Institute I’ve learnt a lot about the importance of skin care and sun protection and am more than happy to assist you in this as much as I am able. Better yet I’d be happy to help you book in with our Skin Rejuvenation Specialist!

I look forward to meeting you when you when you come in for your appointment here at Vie Institute. The team here is really something special and everyone will do their best to help you reach your desired outcome.

Aprile

Front Desk Customer Service Co-ordinator

Hi! My name is Aprile, and I have been with the Vie family for a little over a year now. I was lucky enough to be offered a position at the practice initially as the Laser Technician for hair removal, but since starting with Vie my skills have broadened so much and I have learnt so much more.

I am now the first face you will see when entering the practice as I will be warmly welcoming you from our front reception desk as the Director of First Impressions.

I happily balance reception and laser hair removal treatments and as I am absorbing so much knowledge from our dermal aesthetician Michelle I can also help you with your skincare questions about products and treatments… or at least point you in the right direction! I am currently learning so much about our ranges of medical grade skin care products (and using them myself) to slow down my skins ageing process and allow me to feel more confident without wearing makeup!

With a 15 year background in beauty therapy, I have always been obsessed with my daily skin routine at home which gives me passion to help others with theirs. After years of performing waxing treatments in the past I also really believe in laser hair removal as the best option for removing your pesky hairs as I have done it myself and the results are fantastic, there is something great about not having to remember to shave my underarms for months at a time! I have already got such a beautiful clientele that I enjoy getting to know and will continue to help them with their goals and I look forward to welcoming many more, and continuing my career at Vie Institute alongside the amazing team of women and Dr McGovern. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Ella

Front Desk Customer Service Co-ordinator

Hello! My name is Ella, and I was very lucky to secure an administration position with Vie Institute in late 2022. I am currently in the midst of my fourth year in undergrad Psychological Science, which I love as it helps me in my day-to-day interactions with all of our lovely clients.

Whilst I am the baby of the clinic, I have spent my entire working career in customer service and patient-oriented roles. I pride myself on always providing high levels of customer satisfaction and thoroughly enjoy building real connections with every client.

I grew up in Melbourne, and made the move to the Sunshine Coast with my partner in September 2021. I am loving the weather, the people and above all else the beaches that the beautiful Sunny Coast has to offer. Of course, I am being extremely sun conscious and protected whilst enjoying the beach as I have learnt from our lovely and passionate dermal aesthetician, Michelle.

You may find me working at the front desk, answering your calls or alongside our Theatre Bookings Coordinator. I am so excited to be working at Vie Institute and getting to know and assist each and every one of you.

I look forward to answering your call or meeting you in the clinic soon. If you see me around, come and say Hi!

Thanks, Ella.