Caring for patients with humanity and compassion is one of the most important things Dr Land Phan and the team at Eagle Vale Medical Centre contribute to their community.
How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in Eagle Vale?
I obtained my FRACGP fellowship in 2017 and this year will be my sixth year as a GP at Eagle Vale Medical Centre.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
My GP terms as a medical student, then as a resident, cemented for me that general practice was where I was meant to be. I was fortunate enough to have been taught by some really inspiring doctors – kind, skilled and compassionate. Dr Nick Collins at Campbelltown Hospital was one of them. I always loved the idea of caring for an entire family, from birth to death, and there is no other specialty that would allow me to do what I do today. It’s an incredible privilege and I still learn so much every day.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
What do you love most about Eagle Vale?
The humanness of the job gives me the biggest feeling of fulfilment. I work with a really lovely team at Eagle Vale and together we try our best to provide care for our community. Having grown up in South Western Sydney, I love that I now have the opportunity to give something back. I never know where the conversation will take me when someone enters the room, and I find it so rewarding when they leave the room better than when they entered. There’s a definitely an art to the science – something I appreciate more and more the longer I am in this profession.
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
Following from above, I’d say our humanity and compassion. We aren’t afraid to show patients that we’re human too, and I think this brings us closer to one another. I walk side by side with my patients through their health journey, and I can appreciate how grateful people have been to have a constant, reliable specialist whom they can trust to have their best interests at heart as they navigate the health system during what can be the most vulnerable times in their life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Currently with a six-week-old and two-and-a-half year-old toddler in tow, I don’t have much of that at the moment! I am currently taking some time off to spend with my young family. I really enjoy spending time outdoors when I’m not in the office although I wouldn’t climb Mount Fuji again … I think the new term for what I love is ‘forest bathing’. However, I am equally happy at home brainstorming what my next project will be: last year I achieved my other childhood dream of becoming a published author. I have been described by some (including a high school teacher and my accountant) as someone with ‘quiet determination’ who is quite ‘goal-orientated’. I think they were on to something.
Tell me about your ideal work day…
My ideal workday starts with a goodbye cuddle from my son, driving against traffic and always managing to find a good parking spot. My list is fully booked with patients who could be aged 0 to 99+, most of whom have names I recognise immediately looking at my list because I’ve been caring for them, their families and friends for several years now. I always make time for lunch to catch up with my colleagues so that we can have a laugh (or cry) together, and start the afternoon session with renewed energy, knowing we are working together as a team to serve our community. If I’ve made even one person’s day better, then I’d consider it a successful day. I’m not superhuman: good enough is enough for me. I try to set healthy boundaries so that I can continue being the best version of myself for my patients and my family.
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
I like to remind people that health comprises more than just physical health – and when their psychological or social wellbeing is suffering, then that can also contribute to their poor health. I think preventative health is key and it starts at pre-conception: it’s never too early or late to change and by improving your own health, you can also improve that of the people you care about – the effects of which can transcend generations. Start small, but be consistent. I’m here to help.