Dr Marzieh Niknami from The Practice – Bundanoon says happy and healthy community members are more likely to contribute to their community’s productivity and sustainability. Learn more about how she and her colleagues empower their patients to become healthier versions of themselves.
How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in Bundanoon/Wingecarribee Shire?
I have about eight years GP experience. I have been practising in Bundanoon since March 2019.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
I have been very active in the field of medicine and I was fortunate to be able to accomplish various degrees, do research and teach in universities. My curiosity took me to different fields and helped me to achieve degrees including a PhD in medicine and fellowship at the University of Sydney. However, I realised that nothing satisfies me like being with and talking to people. My compassionate nature, my question about the purpose of life and my idea about touching people’s lives guided me to become a GP which offers rich opportunities for patient encounters and treating people of all ages including babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, to adults. It also gives me the opportunity to see patients in the context of their families and communities. My passion is helping people to change their health and eventually their life for the better. I believe change in one person’s health can improve the community and a better community makes a better Australia where every citizen will benefit. Further, being a GP is intellectually very challenging, which is really rewarding. Unlike hospital, as a frontline doctor you see patients presenting often with one to two pieces of information and you need to find a diagnosis. It is very exciting when you come up with a diagnosis and understand a patient’s health conditions.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
I really enjoy the continuity of care and the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with my patients which is the pillar of comprehensive care. Empowering patients and making my patients’ healthcare journey as convenient as possible is very rewarding. Freedom in choosing different advanced skills such as training in advanced women’s health, skin disease, wound care and mental health and applying them to my every day practice has been very satisfying. It feels that I can grow daily with general practice and learn extensively every day. Also, I quite like the flexibility of choosing my work hours and days which is necessary for work-home balance especially for GPs with young children.
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
Alongside my dear colleague Dr Indran Rajendra, we try to provide the best comprehensive healthcare and empower our community’s residents to move steps closer to a healthier version of themselves and to stay healthy. I believe happy and healthy members are more likely to contribute to the community’s productivity and sustainability. Our holistic team care in general practice – including but not limited to skin cancer, children’s health, women’s health, sexual health, mental health, chronic disease care and wound management – has been improving people’s health and life and reducing unnecessary referrals. Due to our genuine care, we enjoy a great deal of loyalty from members of our community.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family and discover nature. I am blessed to live in the Southern Highlands, which offers plenty of natural beauty. I also like fashion and photography.
Tell me about your ideal day…
My ideal day is when it is full of my children’s laughter at home and my patient’s big hopeful smile when they leave my office at work.
What do you love most about the Bundanoon/Wingecarribee Shire?
I guess it’s people who are so warm and friendly. It is also perfect for raising my young family with plenty of green fields, parks, great schools, shops and cafes. It is protected like a beautiful jewel from noise and air pollution but at the same time is close to three major cities if I need to go for training and conferences.
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
My advice to my patients is take control and responsibility for your health. Mental health is the pillar of a healthy life so I always recommend that my patients stay positive and in touch with loved ones, be involved with their community as much as possible and be mindful.