GP Profile – Dr Atifa Khan

Dr Atifa Khan of My Family Health Medical Centre in Gregory Hills has been a GP since 2002 and has been practising in Gregory Hills for seven years.

Dr Khan decided to become a GP during her residency as she felt it offered the opportunity to provide comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to patients of all ages. Valuing the long-term relationships built with patients and the community, Dr. Khan finds being a GP extremely rewarding. It allows her to deeply understand patients’ needs and provide personalised and effective care.

Outside of work, Dr Khan enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.

How long have you been a GP, and how long have you been practising in Gregory Hills?

I graduated from King Edward Medical College in Pakistan in 2002 and have been working in Australia since 2005. With a special interest in children’s and women’s health as well as weight management, I have been dedicated to these fields throughout my career. We established our Gregory Hills centre in May 2017, and I have been practising here ever since. Additionally, I am an accredited supervisor for the RACGP and serve as a conjoint lecturer with Western Sydney University.

When/why did you decide to be a GP?

I decided to become a GP during my hospital residency. I chose this specialty because it offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages. The continuity of care in this field is deeply rewarding, as I value the long-term relationships I build with my patients and the community.

What do you love most about being a GP/ what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?

What I enjoy most about being a GP is building long-term professional relationships with my patients and their families. The continuity of care is extremely rewarding, as it allows me to develop a deep understanding of my patients’ needs and provide more personalised and effective care. Additionally, being able to offer comprehensive healthcare across a wide range of medical issues, from preventive care to chronic disease management, is deeply fulfilling.

What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?

The most important contribution our medical centre makes to this community is providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services. We prioritise patient well-being and strive to improve the health outcomes of everyone we serve. We aim to be a trusted source of medical expertise, guidance, and support for individuals and families in our community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our clinic remained open every day without fail. I also coordinated with the SWSPHN COVID team to assist housebound patients in receiving their COVID vaccines and booster shots.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like spending quality time with my family. I enjoy socialising with family and friends.

I also like travelling.

Is there anything else you’d like to let your fellow primary carers know about you?

I’d like my fellow primary carers to know I am deeply committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our community. I believe in the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest medical advancements to offer the best possible care to my patients. I’m always open to collaboration and sharing knowledge to enhance our collective expertise and improve patient outcomes.

What do you love most about Gregory Hills?

What I love most about Gregory Hills is its diversity. It offers great opportunities to learn and grow professionally while fostering connections with families from various backgrounds. It also provides excellent opportunities to practice in my areas of interest, such as antenatal care, paediatrics, and women’s health.

What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?

My advice to my patients is to not to underestimate the power of a healthy diet and staying active. Living a healthy lifestyle goes a long way!