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Zivio health: core team
Dr Zuzana Oravcova-Wheeler, aka Dr Zuzi: Founder & Lead Clinician
I’m a medical doctor, deeply committed to whole-person care, integrating conventional and evidence-based complementary approaches to support healing at every level: physical, emotional, and environmental.
My medical foundation began with an MBChB from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Over the years, I’ve pursued advanced training in Lifestyle, Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, completing fellowships with both the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.
I take a systems-oriented approach to care. This means I look at the body and mind as an interconnected whole, not just isolated symptoms or organs. Rather than treating each issue separately, I explore how different systems (like digestion, hormones, immunity, or the nervous system) influence one another. For example, a skin condition might be linked to gut health and stress, or fatigue might relate to stress, sleep, and nutrition. My goal is always to understand and address root causes so that we can support the body’s natural capacity for healing.
My approach also draws on functional medicine principles, focusing on identifying the underlying imbalances that contribute to illness, and using individualized, science-based strategies to restore health.
Central to my practice is deep listening — taking the time to understand each person’s unique story through comprehensive history-taking, followed by targeted testing. This process helps uncover how and why illness develops in each unique person, creating a clear map for recovery and improved wellbeing.
I'm also certified in mindfulness-based interventions (including MBSR- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), hypnotherapy, neuroprotective developmental care, nutrition science, environmental health, and functional approaches to health. These disciplines shape my holistic, yet science-based, and compassionate approach to patient care.
I bring to my work a multidisciplinary background, including degrees in the arts and pharmaceutical sciences - a foundation that continues to inform my curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and whole-person perspective.
Nancy McAllister- Practice Support Lead
Originally from Canada, Nancy grew up playing hockey, soccer, and later diving into CrossFit. Her drive for excellence on and off the field has shaped her personal and professional journey. After starting her career in accounting, Nancy discovered a passion for supporting others in the health and well-being space, building teams and helping people create lives on their own terms. This path opened doors to travel and adventure, allowing her to work remotely in countries such as the USA, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. Some of Nancy’s highlights include hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, mountain biking Moab’s trails, snowboarding Vermont’s slopes, and chasing waterfalls around the globe. Happiest outdoors and in nature, it’s no surprise she’s now settled in New Zealand, calling Dunedin home.
Nancy now brings her energy and expertise to ZIVIO HEALTH, keeping the team organized, supported, and running smoothly. She is the go-to for bookings, admin, and all things behind the scenes at Zivio Health.
