As the practice manager at The Angels Medical Centre in Birrong, Nermin Kamel is tasked with ensuring things run smoothly every day. She believes being part of a local healthcare service enables her to ensure patients receive accessible, continuous and holistic care – an aspect of the role she finds very rewarding.
How long have you been a practice manager?
I have been a practice manager for 13 years.
What was the career path which led you here?
I graduated in 2005 from UTS with a Bachelor of Science in IT, specialising in Project Management.
I initially worked as a project coordinator for a couple of years. Later, I moved with Marc Kamel and we decided to open our own practice in Birrong. Since then, I have been managing the practice.
Why did you decide to work in primary care?
I was drawn to primary care because it allows me to contribute directly to the wellbeing of the community.
Being part of a local healthcare service means I can help ensure patients receive accessible, continuous and holistic care, which I find very rewarding.
Tell us about the role of practice managers in primary care. For example, what are your day-to-day responsibilities?
As a practice manager, I oversee the daily operations of the clinic to ensure everything runs efficiently. This includes managing staff, coordinating schedules, handling finances and billing, maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and ensuring a high standard of patient care.
I also work on improving systems and processes to enhance both patient experience and staff productivity.
How does your role complement the role of the other health professionals in your practice?
My role supports healthcare professionals by managing the administrative and operational side of the practice.
This allows doctors, nurses and allied health staff to focus on delivering quality patient care. I also help facilitate communication, coordinate resources and ensure the team has what they need to perform their roles effectively.
What do you find the most fulfilling about your role?
The most fulfilling aspect is knowing my work contributes to a well-functioning practice where patients receive high-quality care. Seeing the positive impact on patients and supporting a strong, collaborative team environment is very rewarding.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy reading and travelling.
What do you like most about the region in which you work and live?
Birrong offers a strong sense of community and cultural diversity. It’s a welcoming area where people support one another and it’s rewarding to be part of a community-focused environment.
What motivates you to work in our region?
Working in Birrong motivates me because I can make a meaningful difference in a diverse and growing community.
Ensuring people have access to quality primary healthcare and supporting their long-term wellbeing is very important to me.
How does your practice – and the people within it – help to educate the community about maintaining good health?
Our practice supports community health education by providing patients with clear, reliable information during consultations, promoting preventive care and encouraging regular check-ups.
We also guide patients on healthy lifestyle choices and early intervention to support better long-term health outcomes.
