Dr Alex (Yuebin) Zhao from Myhealth Oran Park medical centre was attracted to the opportunities general practice presented. He is pursuing his special interest in mental health by working with SWSPHN to promote the new IAR-DST (Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool).
How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in Oran Park/Camden?
I have been a GP for 18 months and been practising in Oran Park for three months now. I was working in Westmead Hospital and Canberra Hospital before becoming a GP.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
I decided to become a GP about two to three years ago during my hospital training. I like the long-term relationship a GP can build up with their patient which is difficult to do in hospital settings. GP work also offers a great balance between work and life. These days, GPs can also sub-specialise in different areas from dermatology/skin cancer, mental health, women health, occupational health. There is so much more potential.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
I enjoy the variety of presentations in GP clinics. You can never predict the next presentation. It can be anything from simple cuts/laceration, vaccination, respiratory tract infection, mental health consultation, travel advice, skin cancer checks, complicated chronic disease management. Work has never been boring for me!
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
My practice opens seven days a week and has 12 GPs. We also have onsite a psychologist, physiotherapist, podiatrist and dietician. We cover a very broad area of medicine including general GP consultations, immunisation, skin check, mental health, worker compensation, women’s health, antenatal care etc. I also do some after hours home visits for patients who are not able to see us in the clinic, one to two times a week. I believe our practice provides a good quality of service to the community and reduces the burden on the Emergency Department.
Please tell us about your work delivering IAR training
I have a special interest in mental health. I am currently working with SWSPHN to promote a new tool (IAR) developed for mental health assessment and referral. It facilitates assessment and referral processes for patients with mental health conditions. Please get in contact with your local PHN if you are a mental healthcare worker and would like to know about the IAR training.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to work out in the gym whenever I can and watch movies and dine out. Feel free to say hi if you catch me in the local gym/cinema or restaurants.
What do you love most about Oran Park/Camden?
It’s such a new and vibrant community. Patients here are very polite and respectful.
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
I just want to emphasise that good mental health is an important part of general health. Anxiety and depression symptoms are significantly under diagnosed. If you do need extra support, do not hesitate to reach out to your family, friends, counsellors and doctors.