Dr Steven Le from Optimal Health Medical Centre at Gregory Hills has a passion for general practice and guiding improvements to the health of his patients. Learn more about Dr Le and what he loves most about being a GP.
How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in the Gregory Hills/Macarthur region?
I have been doing general practice for eight years and loved all of it from Newcastle to Pymble to Gregory Hills. I have been practising in the Macarthur region for two-and-a-half years now.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
Throughout my training years I was really into obstetrics and general practice and loved both so my choice to become a general practitioner came about due to me wanting to work with a variety of patients and situations while still being able to take care of many women and children. The bonus of not being called out of bed at 2am and having to rush to the hospital on a regular basis was also a consideration.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
I love being able to support my patients and their families to work through both medical and life situations that arise and the thing that brings me the utmost satisfaction is to hear from my co-workers that they enjoy coming to work and feeling supported while my patients say that they value my efforts to try and improve things in their life and their health. Guiding a woman through pregnancy and then a family with young children growing and changing also makes me happy.
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
The ethos of Optimal Health is that we strive to provide a pathway for guidance and care to improve the health of our patients and their families.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I am not at the practice, I love to just let my children guide me in activities and forget about the adult life waiting for me… At other times I enjoy playing in a couple of indoor soccer teams.
Tell me about your ideal day…
Wake up next to my wife…do a few hours of consulting with my regular patients…finish in time to pick up my kids from school and go out for a family treat…Play a late indoor soccer game once kids are tucked away asleep…Then dream and catch some Zs myself.
What do you love most about the Gregory Hills/Macarthur region?
The families that are growing and the people who are willing to help each other out when there is an opportunity to do so.
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
I advise them to enjoy life, maintain relationships with things going both ways and the standard balance of work, family, stress, exercise and sleep.