About Us
Melbourne's leading complementary health clinic specialising in women's health and family medicine.
The clinic, originally known as the Clifton Hill Natural Therapies Centre, was started by Ruth Trickey in 1980 and rapidly grew to incorporate a wide variety of complementary medicine practitioners. In 2000 we moved to our present location in Station St Fairfield, changed our name and became Melbourne Holistic Health Group (MHHG).
We have an established reputation for providing sound, evidence-based advice; and for working collaboratively within the current medical paradigm. We prioritise the healthcare needs of our patients by suggesting they choose the treatments that are in their best interests rather than choosing only those that we ourselves can provide. Importantly, we recognise the limitations of natural therapies and when needed, suggest patients consult with doctors and specialists. If possible, we recommend those doctors who are happy to see patients who want to continue natural remedies and treatments. Fortunately, our reputation and the contacts we have established over the years means that finding an appropriate referral with a GP or within a medical specialty is usually not a problem.
- A Collaborative Model of Health Care
- Complementary Medicine / Natural Medicine
- Towards Integration...
- Melbourne Holistic Health Group - Privacy Policy Statement 2012
Our Philosophy
We recognise that optimal health is dependent on physical, mental and social well-being. The herbalists and naturopaths at MHHG apply a holistic model of healthcare with the primary goal of treating the underlying causes of disease.
Director
Ruth Trickey first became interested in health care when she qualified as a nurse and midwife in 1970, and subsequently trained in the acute management of spinal injuries. She started her professional career as an acupuncturist in 1978, and as a herbalist and natural therapist in 1980. For the last 30 years Ruth has been the director of Melbourne Holistic Health Group (formally Clifton Hill Natural Therapies Centre), a multidisciplinary health care clinic dedicated to a collaborative model of health care.
Practice Manager
Cara Tanner is MHHG’s practice manager and is responsible for ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly. She has over six years experience in customer service and is also a fully qualified naturopath. Cara completed her BHSc (Naturopathy) at Endeavor College of Natural Health. She was awarded an academic scholarship to attend the college and graduated as Dux of her class in 2009.
Cara is calm and friendly, and is committed to the concept of high quality primary health care. Her role in the clinic is to liaise with practitioners, staff, the herbal and nutritional companies, and most importantly, our patients. She has outstanding research skills and was a contributor to the 3rd edition of ‘Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle’. She combines her knowledge and research skills to ensure that the clinic has the best quality herbal and nutritional supplements for our dispensary. In short, Cara is an indispensible member of our team.
Receptionists
Reception staff at MHHG are either final year naturopathic students or fully qualified naturopaths chosen to work in the clinic as a component of an internship. This position allows them to gain indispensible experience working alongside the practitioners of a multi-modality clinic. They are offered the opportunity to observe consultations and must demonstrate proficiency in the dispensing of medicines before being allowed to work in the dispensary. Currently our receptionists are Tarah, Gina, Natalie, Michelle and Meg.
The clinic, originally known as the Clifton Hill Natural Therapies Centre, was started by Ruth Trickey in 1980. In 2000, it relocated to Station Street Fairfield where it became the Melbourne Holistic Health Group.
