Dr Allison Thorn has been working at Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service in Campbelltown, for five years.
How long have you been a GP & how long have you been practising in the Campbelltown LGA at Tharawal?
I gained my fellowship in 2017 and have been working at Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service for the past five years.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
When I was a medical student, I had some amazing placements in South Western Sydney as well as remote areas, and they left me in awe at the change a GP could make at an individual level but also at a community level. I am a bit of a sticky beak and I love getting to know my patients so I knew GP was right up my alley.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
Being an advocate for my patients. And also cuddles with fresh babies!
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
Tharawal is an amazing place to work because it is made up of a huge team of people who are extremely motivated to care for people who need it the most. It is truly a one-stop shop for our local community and I feel honoured to be a part of the team that the community trusts so much.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watch RuPaul’s drag race and hang out with my family.
Tell me about your ideal work day.
A morning of our “Mums and bubs” clinic, plenty of health checks on young people, a few of my regular patients coming back to report they’ve achieved some of their health goals and a procedure thrown in there somewhere. Plus all the coffee.
What do you love most about working in Campbelltown?
I grew up in Campbelltown and was fortunate enough to get into WSU medical school in it’s first year. I feel a strong sense of pride working in an area that has given me so much and where there is a real need for high quality healthcare.
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
I prefer to tailor my advice to each individual. I ask my patients what their health goals are and then try my very best to help them get there.