Topic: Profile

As the practice manager at Plus 1 Medical Centre in Fairfield Nagham Sadek embraces a wide range of roles across the business. A passionate advocate for her staff, she also ensures a caring and efficient environment greets every patient that walks through the door.

How long have you been a practice manager?

I have worked in the South Western Sydney region for more than 13 years.

What was the career path that led you here?

I previously worked in the banking industry and started working in primary care when my husband opened the medical centre in Fairfield.

Tell us about the role of practice managers in primary care? For example, what are your day-to-day responsibilities?

As the practice manager for a busy medical centre, I have a wide range of roles which can vary from day to day.

My duties include making sure the practice is up-to-date and functioning smoothly and efficiently, as well as managing human resources and dealing with payroll, invoicing and receipts.

I work towards achieving the business goals set by our principal doctors, look after our team and help to create a happy and comfortable working environment.

It is important I have the ability to quickly and efficiently solve any problem that may occur unexpectedly while also making sure our patients are happy.

I maintain the financial records, schedule maintenance matters and equipment upgrades and order supplies.

I also deal with any insurance or legal matters and handle internal and external complaints.

How does your role complement the role of the other health professionals in your practice?

My job is to make sure work is running smoothly and efficiently and all the health professionals in the practice are supported to the best of their ability.

What do you love about your job? What do you find the most fulfilling about your role?

I love the way our practice ensures it is caring for our patients and the way we all work together as a team to help our community.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy going to the gym, swimming and riding my bike on the weekends.

What do you like most about the region in which you work and live?

To me the Fairfield region represents a safe environment with a wide range of different cultures which are living together and appreciate each other’s differences. It’s also a great place for grocery shopping.

Do you have any role models and why?

My role model is the spiritual leader Sadhguru because we all need to believe in our ability to help and be wonderful human beings.

How does your practice – and the people within it – help to educate the community about maintaining good health?

Our practice works hard to support our patients in their health journey. We have lots of useful information in our waiting room and our receptionist is always ready with helpful advice. We also have a consultant dietician who sees patients on a regular basis.

When Maree Carlson discovered she wasn’t so good at making beds she decided to pursue a career as a general practice nurse. Today, as a crucial team member of Highlands General Practice in Bowral and Moss Vale her focus is on getting to know the families who turn up each day and helping them on their health journey.

To celebrate Primary Health Care Nurses Day, we spoke to Maree about what drives her to care for her community.

How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in the Bowral region?

I have been working in general practice since 2016 but was working in correctional nursing for four years prior to that. I have now been working in the South Western Sydney PHN region for two years.

When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?

I always knew I wanted to be a nurse since I was little. I even had the outfit when I was five. I have always wanted to work outside of the hospital setting as I was interested in health promotion and health prevention and have never been good at making a bed.

I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and following their progress through their health journey.

Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care.

I usually describe the practice nurse role as a comparison to GPs: we know a little about everything.

Primary care nursing brings such a large amount of diversity in your day. We do a lot of acute and chronic wounds, repair of lacerations, chronic care, health assessments, child development checks and vaccinations, and adult/travel immunisations.

We do a lot of triage (phone and in person) and deal with a lot of emergency situations (especially chest pain). We work very closely with GPs and have a very cohesive relationship with them, which allows us to collaborate well, meeting the needs of our patients.

We have a good trust bond which allows us to fully work to our scope and expertise and feel like we are contributing in a strong clinical way.

What do you love about nursing/what do you find most fulfilling about your role?

Seeing people achieve in their lives, whether it is with their wound healing, their HbA1c improving, having children/grandchildren or working on their mental health.

I love watching the babies grow into children and look forward to one day seeing them return with their own children. I love meeting lots of different characters from all walks of life and hearing weird, wacky and wonderful stories.

Tell me about your ideal work day…

I have to be honest; I love when the doctor brings in an abscess to be drained or a wound to debride. I love a busy day which is mixed with lots of different activities.

I enjoy doing some wound care, skin excision, health assessment, ear syringing. My ideal work day would be a day filled with a little bit of everything, but definitely a day with a good abscess is a good day!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to go on random drives. There is so much to see in Australia. I love hopping in the car and driving wherever the wind takes me. If I see a dirt road even better. I have found so many wonderful places across NSW and Victoria to keep going back to and enjoying.

I also love music, listening to music and playing my piano and cello.

Do you have any role models and why?

I have moved around NSW and Victoria a fair bit in the past 16 years and have found every workplace I have worked I have gained wonderful knowledge and tips from an array of amazing nurses and doctors. Every nurse I meet comes from different work experiences, life experiences and skill sets and they have all helped shape me in my nursing career.

I had a wonderful role model at university. Kathryn Cooper was a lecturer and clinical placement advisor, and she helped instil in me a kindness and gentleness in nursing while still being assertive for your patient’s care. I am still in contact with her all these years later.

How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?

I try to be practical: not everyone fits into the same square. What works for one person will not work for another. I talk about starting slow and having small goals to help achieve and not set up for failure. I include patients in decision making and try to encourage them to be a part of their own health decisions/actions.

In her role as a practice nurse at Moorebank Family Medical Centre, Lily Nguyen spends a lot of time helping her patients to lead safer, healthier lives. But when it comes to her own downtime her choice of fitness could be considered a little bit dangerous. Lily plays dodgeball at a national level and has represented her country in two world championships.

Yes, that’s right, dodgeball. That sport where the aim is to avoid the heavy balls being thrown at you by the opposition while trying to do your best to inflict as much damage as you can in the same way.

So how and why did she get involved in such an unlikely sport?

“I had a friend that needed a female player for his team which, at the time, required a minimum of two females on court. So, I gave it a try and I loved it from the very first moment,” Lily explains.

“I have been playing since at least 2014. It’s super fun, being able to hit someone without hurting them. Well, usually anyway.

“It’s competitive, it’s fast paced, and you are faced with a possible six balls flying around at all times. It’s chaotic and you need to stay alert. Being able to intimidate your opponents with just intent was a small quirk of the sport that really drew me in when I had no experience.

“But there’s so much skill involved that can be improved upon, from an individual and a team perspective. It also requires individual skills such as focus, throwing, catching and fitness, which really helps but doesn’t necessarily define whether you can play or not. That means it is also great for newcomers.  

“There are also teamwork skills, including synergy, roles and strategy. I could really go on and on about it.”

Teams consist of six a side with several substitutes, depending on the competition as rules can vary. There is a captain and the positions on court are two on the wings, two in the centre and two support players.

Most Australian social competitions are mixed division, and the state tournaments also have separate women’s and men’s divisions.

Lily said the game can get “very physically demanding” with all the movement up and down the court, dodging, jumping and throwing.

“It’s particularly tough in a one-versus-six situation where you are the last surviving player on your side, and you still have the whole other team alive. It can get rough if you get hit in the face, which is legal, or if you jar your fingers. Most injuries are usually from dodging, where you throw yourself out of the way of an incoming ball and your knees or ankles take the brunt of the force.”

Lily started trialling for the Australian team in 2017 and finally got selected in 2022.

“I have represented my country twice in the mixed foam division in Canada in 2022 and Austria in 2024 where there were more than 30 countries competing and more than 100 teams,” she said.

Australia’s current global ranking is fourth, with teams gaining silver or bronze nine times since 2014. International competition is tough and, Lily says, getting tougher every day. “The USA, Canada and Malaysia consistently place top four and have really great throws,” she said.

However, the sport’s popularity is increasing in Australia. Last year Sydney hosted one of the largest social international competitions, known as the Asia Pacific Invitational, which attracted 112 teams from 10 countries.

And what does Lily’s family think about her involvement in this potentially dangerous pastime?

“My sister and her family came to watch some of my games at the most recent world championship which was very exciting, and they enjoyed it thoroughly,” she said.

“I think I’ve been playing so long that most of my friends are from dodgeball, and they obviously love it too. I met my partner though dodgeball and he can throw a ball at 130km/h consistently. So even though I may be the better overall player that is pretty scary for anyone on the opposing side.”

For nurse practitioner Alicia Mah primary healthcare represents an opportunity to support her patients at every stage of their lives. Her work at Highlands General Practice at both Bowral and Moss Vale is a source of great joy as she brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her role.

 

How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in the Southern Highlands region?

I have 33 years’ experience in various disciplines throughout my nurse work journey, both in Australia and the UK. I have been in general practice in the Southern Highlands for the last 20 years and spent 13 years as a nurse practitioner.

 

When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?

In 2003 after working in intensive care for years I started thinking there should be more useful ways to prevent people ending up in intensive care. I strongly support preventative care, and the primary healthcare setting is vital to all patient’s preventative health journey.

It’s a privileged position to be part of patients’ health experiences and general practice provides the type of environment which supports their acute and chronic health events. I know I’ve been doing this for a while when I see the generations coming through.

 

Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care

It’s a diverse role and I am never surprised by what comes through the door. It can be anything from travel health to women’s health or corporate medicals, immunisation or wound management, just to name a few.

At Highlands General Practice, I manage the nurse team and associated services, and support and educate our nurse and med students, as well as our registrars on their training program. A few nurse students have gone away having their perspective of nurses working in general practice completely changed and now consider a future in primary care as an option, rather than tertiary-based care settings.

I am also known as the walking Immunisation handbook and a regular go-to, especially for our doctors navigating the travel vaccines. One time I even minded a patient’s dog when she was shipped off to hospital.

 

What do you love about nursing and what do you find most fulfilling about your role?

It sounds cheesy but I never stop learning or taking an opportunity to improve my own depth of knowledge and how to apply this in practice. I also work with the mantra of never assuming anything and always asking ‘why’ which not only improves my understanding but helps patients navigate the challenges of understanding their own health.

 

Tell me about your ideal work day

I start by allocating the patients who are booked in and then take care of all the additional triages, walk-ins, doctor requests, opportunistic teaching moments and sharing collegial experiences where we collectively problem solve.

However crazy the day may have been, I constantly tell the team “we will go home today”. I love it when there are clinical challenges and when I see returning patients making improvements. I also love to see loads of appointment access in the appointment book and, of course, cake on the staff table.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything to do with mountains and snow. When I’m not travelling, I play hockey, and I am secretary of the Southern Highlands Hockey Association. I ride road bikes and support local not-for-profit organisations for the disabled and frail elderly.

 

Do you have any role models and why?

I’m lucky to be surrounded by a group of health professionals who are diverse, energetic and take a proactive approach to not only healthcare but life in general, so I like to think I don’t have one particular role model, rather multiple small bits of many. I particularly go with wisdom and experience.

 

How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?

Being realistic and okay with where they’re currently at, but also encouraging them to move to the next health goal. Even if they take one thing from an interaction to start contemplating, or when there is actual action, that gets exciting. I’m super keen on good travel health advice and I’m always encouraging patients not to leave their ‘sensible’ brain behind when they get on a flight.

It was the personal touch that appealed to Dr Jian Li when she decided to become a GP after a stint at working in the hospital system. Continuity of care is important as she supports her patients through their many life stages.

 

How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in South Western Sydney?

I graduated from TianJin Medical University in China in 1994 and, after working at Westmead hospital, I began my formal training as a GP in 2010.

After completing my GP training, I joined Prestons Medical Centre, and I have been there for more than 10 years. During this time, I have had the privilege of serving the South Western Sydney community, developing a deep understanding of the healthcare needs and challenges faced by the local population.

My experience here has enriched my skills and strengthened my commitment to delivering patient-centred care, contributing to the wellbeing of families and individuals across the region.

 

When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?

My decision to pursue general practice training took shape during my time as a resident in the hospital. It was there that I realised how much I valued continuity of care, forming long-term relationships with patients and supporting them through different stages of their health journey.

The opportunity to provide holistic care, not just for acute medical conditions, but also for chronic and preventive care, deeply resonated with me. I am particularly passionate about seeing patients recover and improve, whether from acute illnesses or managing ongoing health challenges.

The privilege of being involved in their journey towards better health and wellbeing is incredibly fulfilling, and it reaffirmed my desire to become a GP, where I could have a lasting impact on my patients’ lives.

 

What do you love most about being a GP?

As a GP, the most rewarding aspect of my role is the trust that patients place in me. This trust is invaluable, as it allows patients to openly share their concerns, emotions, and health challenges. Building these deep, meaningful relationships over time gives me the opportunity to provide more personalised and comprehensive care. It’s particularly gratifying when patients seek my guidance not only for immediate medical issues but also for broader aspects of their wellbeing.

As an antenatal shared care GP, one of the most fulfilling parts of my job is sharing in the joy of expectant mothers during their pregnancy journey and playing a role in caring for their newborns. Being involved in such pivotal moments of life, from prenatal care to watching newborns thrive, is both a privilege and a source of immense satisfaction.

This continuity of care across generations is one of the unique and beautiful aspects of being a GP, offering a holistic view of family health that few other specialties provide.

 

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

At Prestons Medical Centre we aim to ensure our doors are always open to patients, providing accessible and comprehensive care. We are deeply committed to being a reliable healthcare resource for everyone, offering a safe and supportive environment where patients can seek medical attention without barriers.

Our goal is to deliver care the community can trust: care that addresses not just immediate health concerns, but also promotes long-term wellbeing.

Even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, we remained dedicated to providing face-to-face consultations whenever possible. This unwavering commitment to serving our community, especially during times of crisis, is something in which we take immense pride.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love spending quality time with my family. We enjoy traveling together and exploring new places, learning about different cultures, traditions, and, of course, trying out new cuisines.

Whether it’s a local trip or an adventure abroad, we always make the most of our time together, creating lasting memories and sharing new experiences as a family.

 

What do you love the most about the area?

What I love most about Prestons is the incredible diversity of the community. The area is home to people from many different cultural backgrounds, which makes providing care as a GP both fulfilling and interesting. I enjoy working with patients from all walks of life and feel fortunate to support such a vibrant, multicultural population.

I am also able to assist Mandarin-speaking patients who might otherwise face language barriers when accessing healthcare. Being able to connect with patients in their native language helps build trust and ensures they feel understood and supported in their care.

The area’s family-friendly environment, with great access to schools, parks, and shopping, makes it a wonderful place to live and work. There’s a strong sense of community here, which makes my role as a GP even more rewarding.

 

What advice do you give your patients to maintain good health?

My advice for maintaining good health starts with the basics: nourishing your body with a balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity like walking or exercise into your routine. Staying active is not only great for your physical health but also supports your mental wellbeing.

I also encourage my patients to keep up with their regular health screenings, as these can catch potential issues early, giving us the best chance to address them proactively.

If you smoke, I strongly recommend quitting, as it’s one of the most impactful things you can do for your long-term health. Limiting alcohol intake is also important, as moderation can help protect your overall wellbeing.

Above all, I always remind my patients that taking small, consistent steps towards healthier habits makes a big difference over time, and I’m here to support them on that journey.

 

Welcome to GP Link Lunches!

As part of its ongoing GP advocacy work, Sydney South West GP Link has developed the GP Link Lunches Q&A series. 

GP Link Chair, Dr Kenneth McCroary, has initiated a series of meetings with clinical, political and/or GP focused individuals or organisations to discuss issues facing GPs working in our region and talk about local solutions.

Dr McCroary speaks with:

Dr Hamshi Singh and Dr Ranessa Sebastian about engagement and succession for GPs in our region. Both GPs are new members of the SWSPHN Clinical Council and shared their thoughts on leadership and advocacy.

Read the interview – 15 January 2025

 

Rashmi Pithavadian, a qualitative research consultant sessional academic and researcher at Western Sydney University, about her research into vaginismus and her current PhD work on developing resources to support women with the complicated condition.

Read the interview – 8 January 2025

 

Janelle Ivankovic, Associate Director of Service Delivery for the NSW Firearms Registry, shares insights on upcoming changes to firearm licensing requirements.

Read the interview – 4 December 2024

 

Michelle Stares, CEO of Acurio Healthcare Innovation, about the newly established The George Centre at Gledswood Hills.

Read the interview – 30 October 2024

 

Dr Michael Wright, a GP, health economist and health services researcher. Dr Wright is also the president-elect of the RACGP and will officially take on the role at the RACGP’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 21 November.

Read the interview – 11 September 2024

 

Christine Faddoul, manager of Rendu House at the St Vincent de Paul Society, about their non-residential alcohol and other drug program.

Read the interview – 14 August 2024

 

Associate Professor Monisha Gupta, Liverpool Hospital’s Dermatology Department Head, about her career journey, dermatology and her personal experience with COVID-19 vaccine injury.

Read the interview – 17 July 2024

 

Rebecca Bedding and Wendy Pickup, Antenatal Shared Care (ANSC) Clinical Midwife Consultants (CMC). The ANSC CMCs provided an update of the ANSC program in the South Western Sydney Local Health District.

Read the interview – 3 July 2024

 

Megan Tremlett, a senior consulting pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, about the Core Palliative Care Medicines – Building Collaborative Partnerships with Community Pharmacists project.

Read the interview – 22 May 2024

 

Bianca Lean, SWSPHN Primary Care Workforce Manager, about the challenges and opportunities for South Western Sydney’s primary care workforce, and her role as SWSPHN COVID Response co-ordinator during the height of the pandemic.

Read the interview – 15 May 2024

 

Dr Renuka Shanmugalingam, a nephrologist and obstetric medicine physician, about new guidelines from the Society of Obstetric Medicine Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ).

Read the interview – 17 April 2024

 

Dr Nhung Nguyen Nguyen, a consultant cardiologist, about her passion for working with patients to optimise their cardiovascular health and maintain wellness, and using the latest clinical evidence to provide excellent patient care.

Read the interview – 17 January 2024

 

Dr James Zhang about his work in the long COVID and post COVID general practice management space.

Read the interview – 6 December 2023

 

Xanthe Sansome, the National Program Director at Advance Care Planning Australia, about increasing the awareness and uptake of advance care planning across Australia.

Read the interview – 8 November 2023

 

Slavica Krstic, a paediatric clinical nurse specialist in weight management at South Western Sydney Local Health District, about the Growing Healthy Kids in South West Sydney project.

Read the interview – 13 September 2023

 

Professor Penny Abbott, the new Head of General Practice at Western Sydney University, about the undergraduate medical curricula and the decrease in interest from students in training as GPs.

Read the interview – 9 August 2023

 

SWSPHN program advisor, Gautami Motupally, who works primarily in our COVID team which involves program design and implementation relating to improving COVID health outcomes, with a focus on vulnerable communities.

Read the interview – 2 August 2023

 

UK medical student Rhianna Monahan. Rhianna is gaining valuable experience in general practice in Australia during a six-week term at Macarthur General Practice in Campbelltown. They spoke about her experiences so far, what medical training in the UK is like, the challenges presented by COVID-19, and the differences between practising medicine in the UK and Australia.

Read the interview – 12 July 2023

 

Southern Highlands GP, Dr Fiona Mackintosh, about her personal experience with COVID-19 infection and long COVID symptoms.

Read the interview – 21 June 2023

 

GP, Dr Mary Beth MacIsaac, about her experiences in the multiple GP roles she has performed, including her time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Read the interview – 31 May 2023

GP Sceptics Podcast

 

GP, Dr Andrew Knight, who is a staff specialist at the South Western Sydney Primary and Integrated Care Unit, a conjoint Senior lecturer at the University of NSW and was chair of National Prescribing Services Medicine Wise – The National Prescribing Service.

Read the interview – 17 May 2023

 

Hume MP and Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor, about the challenges facing general practice and the health system more broadly.

Read the interview – 3 May 2023

 

Dr Antonio Di Dio, acting Director of the Professional Services Review, about the organisation.

Read the interview – 26 April 2023

 

Dr Ai-Vee Chua, GP Principal of Dubbo Family Doctors, who has been a rural GP for more than 20 years. Dr Chua is also the Senior Clinical Editor for Western NSW HealthPathways. They spoke about issues including working in a rural setting, her roles with the AMA the RACGP and NSW Health, and coping with COVID-19.

Read the interview – 12 April 2023

 

Dr Soo Wei Foo, head of the department of respiratory and sleep medicine at Campbelltown Hospital, about the growth of the department, environmental impacts on our lungs, the unique challenges of healthcare in South Western Sydney and her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the interview – 5 April 2023

 

Katie Tunks about Griefline, which offers a variety of services to provide help-seekers with access to free grief support and resources, and how COVID-19 has impacted demand for the service.

Read the interview – 29 March 2023

 

Dr Tom Lieng about what the future holds for general practice. This interview follows up last week’s article about the closure of Dr Lieng’s Ingleburn GP clinic and the wider issues impacting the general practice workforce.

Read the interview – 22 March 2023

 

Dr McCroary has penned an article about the closure of a Macarthur practice and the wider issues impacting the general practice workforce.

Read the article – 15 March 2023

 

Rick Fitzpatrick from Fitzpatrick and Robertson Accounting Firm about payroll tax.

Read the interview – 8 March 2023

 

Jenny James, a GP VMO at the South Western Sydney Local Health District’s General Practice Drug and Alcohol Advice and Support Service. They spoke about drug and alcohol services in the region, and the support her service provides local GPs.

Read the interview – 8 February 2023

 

Karen Booth, president of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), about primary healthcare nursing.

Read the interview – 1 February 2023

 

Practice owner and GP, Dr Antonio Di Dio, about his role in Drs4Drs, particularly with the recent stressors and burdens which have been placed upon GPs and the primary care network across South Western Sydney. Dr Di Dio currently combines general practice with being the Medical Director of the ACT Doctors Health Service and Acting Director of the Professional Services Review.

Read the interview – 25 January 2023

 

Dr Danielle McMullen, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association and a GP in Sydney’s Inner West. Dr McMullen is the immediate past president of the AMA (NSW). She spoke to Dr McCroary about her role as a trusted voice of doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the interview – 21 December 2022

 

Rachael Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, about palliative care particularly in the aged and in residential aged care.

Read the interview – 14 December 2022

 

Tracy Jedrzejewski, a clinical midwifery consultant and antenatal shared care specialist, about her role and the importance of the South Western Sydney Antenatal Shared Care Program.

Read the interview – 7 December 2022

 

Paediatrician and Federal Macarthur MP, Dr Mike Freelander, about his experience with the ALP’s recent transition into government and to highlight some of the significant issues affecting GPs, general practice, primary care and the local community of South Western Sydney.

Read the interview – 30 November 2022

 

Isabella Sierra, the Physical Health Coordinator for South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Services, about improving communication and relationships between the local health services and primary care in South Western Sydney.

Read the interview – 23 November 2022

 

Dr Alex Mackey, the Director of Emergency Medicine at Liverpool Hospital, about his understanding of general practice in South Western Sydney and for feedback about his experience working in a busy Emergency Department throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the interview – 9 November 2022

 

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, while COVID-19 was still very active in our community in winter this year.

Read the interview – 2 November 2022

 

AMA President Dr Michael Bonning about his work with both the AMA and GP Synergy, in particular with the transition of general practice training moving towards the two main colleges during the next 12 months. Dr Bonning is a GP involved with the teaching of registrars and medical students in Balmain and the Deputy Chair of GP Synergy. He has a strong interest in doctors’ health and wellbeing and sees many doctors and medical students as patients.

Read the interview – 21 September 2022

 

Nurse practitioner Tony Hecimovic about his role. Tony oversees the Hospital in The Home Program for South Western Sydney Local Health District. He has been deployed to the COVID Response Team as the Clinical Lead since the beginning of the pandemic where he has provided clinical nursing support to COVID-positive patients at home, staff within the LHD and local doctors within the district.

Read the interview – 17 August 2022

 

Chair of the RACGP NSW and ACT Faculty Council, Associate Professor Charlotte Hespe for her insights and experience in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic during the past two-and-a half years, and general practice more widely.

Read the interview – 10 August 2022

 

Western Sydney GP, Dr Walid Jammal, has a strong commitment to quality and safety in healthcare as well as health system policy and reform.

Read the interview – 13 July 2022

 

Dr Louise Delaney, National Clinical Advisor in Australia for HealthPathways about develop local pathways and COVID management strategies for the rollover to primary care management of the disease.

Read the interview – 31 May 2022 

 

Dr Carmelo Aquilina, Director of Older People’s Mental Health Service at South Western Sydney Local Health District. He is also involved with the Live Well Project. The interview is about older people’s mental health.

Read the interview – 30 March 2022

 

SWSPHN Director of Planning and Performance Amy Prince about the EAP for general practice staff and their families.

Read the interview – 15 February 2022

 

Dr Ahilan Parameswaran and Dr Manoshi Weerasinghe share their insights on the increasing role of GPs in managing COVID-19. The interviews were conducted at the end of last year, just prior to the introduction of the self-management changes on 17 December 2021.

Read the interview with Dr Parameswaran – 14 January 2022

Read the interview with Dr Weerasinghe – 14 January 2022

 

SWSPHN Clinical Support Co-ordinator Kristina Allen about the New to General Practice Nursing Program.

Read the interview – 9 December 2021

 

Dr Mike Freelander, paediatrician and Federal Macarthur MP.

Read the interview – 17 November 2021

 

Dr Angelo Virgona, chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and medical superintendent at Northside Macarthur Clinic in Campbelltown, about mental health policy.

Read the interview – 6 October 2021

 

David Simmons, Professor of Medicine at Western Sydney University Macarthur Clinical School, Head of Campbelltown Hospital Endocrinology Department and Director of the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translation Unit, about diabetes.

Read the interview – 8 September 2021

 

Kelly Lee, a Clinical Psychologist and Operations Manager of enhanced services within Parramatta Mission, about the Continuing To Be Me (C2bMe) program which is funded by SWSPHN.

Read the interview – 18 August 2021

 

Dr Murray Wright, Chief Psychiatrist at NSW Health, about mental health issues relating to COVID-19.

Read the interview – November 2020

 

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, about COVID-19.

Read the interview – November 2020

 

Dr Charlotte Hespe, Chair of the RACGP NSW/ACT Faculty Board and Head of General Practice and Primary Care Research at The University of Notre Dame Australia, about the RACGP.

Read the interview – September 2020

For Smithfield Medical and Dental Centre practice nurse, Sahar Hakimzadeh, every day is a chance to make someone smile. A passionate advocate for the elderly, she is committed to making sure they get the best care at all times.

 

How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in the South Western Sydney region?

I graduated in 2018 and I have been working in a medical practice for six years.

I’ve done different roles. I was an assistant in nursing and I used to work in aged care. My passion is working with elderly patients.

I am an immunisation nurse as well and I did that before getting into the medical practice.

 

When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care?

I mainly chose the medical centre because I have a young family. I gave birth around the time I graduated nursing and shift work at the hospital didn’t suit my lifestyle.

It’s more flexible working at the medical centre and easier to manage when you have a family. I have two children now.

I did a year at Prestons Medical Centre and after that I went to a medical centre at Gladesville for two years and did extra training for nursing because I have a lot of passion for my job.

 

Tell me about your ideal work day…

A typical day involves working with whatever is in the bookings, whether it’s immunisation, checking the fridge stock or doing health assessments which I love, especially with the 75-plus patients because I enjoy talking to older people. I love to hear their stories about how their lives were before and how it has changed.

I really love to help them, whether it’s a home medication review or some other aspect of their healthcare. Many of them are on a lot of medication so I can look at that. Also, if they need help at home or an aged care referral, I do what I can to help them with that.

Then I might spend some time doing recalls, checking on stock for the treatment room, things like that.

 

What do you love about nursing/what do you find most fulfilling about your role?

I believe it’s important to be fully engaged with the patients and I really enjoy it as well.

No matter what is happening in my life when I am at the practice I am always smiling, and the patients always ask me why I am so happy. The answer is pretty simple. I just love what I do, and I am always trying to make it a happy place for them.

It’s a wonderful job because you get a lot from your patients, and you learn a lot as well.

I used to work in aged care facilities as a nurse and now I am in general practice I feel so happy when I can do something for them, even if it’s something small, to make their day better.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love going to the gym. I go every single day, and I never miss it. And that’s a thing I encourage in all my patients. Physical activity is so important. Even to my patients who are on a walking frame I say just do five minutes of walking and it will make a difference.

So many younger adults say they don’t have time to exercise but if I can do it with a full-time job and two kids then so can they.

I also love listening to music and spending time with my large family.

 

How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?

I am constantly educating my patients. I encourage them to do their home medication review and recalls are very important. I find if I call them on the phone personally and ask them to come in then they are usually happy to do so.

I talk to them about exercise and their diet and aim to educate them about the risks of drinking or smoking and provide them with information which might help them to quit those habits which are not good for their health.

 

Dr Chris Touma has been a GP at Camden Central Family Practice for the last two years after completing his training in the country town of Orange and in Campbelltown. He believes putting your own health needs first is of utmost importance if you want to be able to care for others.

How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in South Western Sydney?

I have been at Camden Central Family Practice for two years. I have been a GP for five years, including my training. I did my general practice and hospital training in Orange and Molong then moved to Camden and started at the practice I’m working at now. I did my training in Campbelltown, Westmead, Orange and Bathurst.

When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP? 

I wanted to be a GP from the get-go. I was tossing up between palliative care and general practice, but I decided general practice gives you the breadth of everything, from babies which are a couple of days old through to someone who may be 100 years old – and everything in between. I like the continuity of care you get in general practice as opposed to seeing people once a year or when they come to the emergency department. I see four generations of one family in my practice, and you don’t get that in much else. You have a relationship with the whole family, not just individuals.

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

When the work you are doing actually improves peoples’ lives and you can see that happening. You get to follow up on the treatment you have recommended and see them get better. It’s not like in an emergency department where you are just patching people up and shipping them off. You get to look at your patient’s health in a holistic way and see how it impacts them as a person, whether that impacts their mental health, whether it affects their ability to work – you work on everything. You are not just homing in on one thing. You are treating the person rather than just the disease.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time I focus on keeping myself healthy: cooking good food and going to the gym. I like to spend time with my family and my friends. Fortunately, there are lots of good restaurants in Camden and we like to go out for dinner together. I work four days a week, but they are long days.

What do you love most about Camden?

This is a great community, and the people are really friendly. Also, it’s like the country but close to Sydney so you have balance between the two. It’s nice, it’s quiet and Camden people are really nice people. It’s the best of both worlds.

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

I encourage people to look after themselves before they look after anyone else. I have people coming in and they are busy looking after their parents, their partner or their kids, but they are not prioritising their own health, and they are just falling to pieces. I tell them, at the end of the day they have to put themselves first, so they are able to cope with everything else, whether that be work, or caring for others.

Although she has only been a practice nurse for six months, Clarissa Cuellar is passionate about patient care and the difference she can make in people’s lives. Working at Eagle Vale Medical Centre, the qualified paediatric nurse loves the fact she can build a rapport with her patients through the many phases of their lives.

How long have you been a practice nurse and how long have you been working in South Western Sydney? 

I have only been a practice nurse for two to three months. I am still in my new graduate year and my background is in paediatric nursing. I have been working as a registered nurse in South Western Sydney for six months now and I am loving nursing.

When/why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing and specifically in primary care? 

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because my grandparents were registered nurses and they’ve been inspiring with their rewarding job and the hard work they put into it. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in someone’s life and being a patient can be a challenging and confronting experience.

Although I do not have kids yet, having a background in paediatric nursing has allowed me to gain many clinical skills and to empathise with parents and families, and look after patients at vulnerable ages.

Since my passion is in children’s and family health, I pursued a career as a primary care nurse as you get to develop ongoing care from babies through to the elderly. It’s also a better work life balance compared to the hospital.

Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care

The major role of nurses in primary care is chronic disease management, which includes monitoring and managing conditions such as wounds, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension.

We educate patients on managing chronic conditions, medications and healthy lifestyle choices. In GP land as practice nurses, we are very big on health promotion and early prevention. I endeavour to promote preventive care through vaccinations, health assessments, screenings and lifestyle counselling.

We are heavily involved in the coordination of the medical practice, working alongside doctors to ensure there is an efficient workflow. We advocate for patients, support and guide them and their families.

What do you love about nursing/what do you find most fulfilling about your role?

The one thing I love about nursing is the relationships and rapport built with patients, which is essential in maintaining an effective nurse/patient relationship and establishing long-term patient centred care.

The most rewarding thing is seeing their quality of life improving.

Tell me about your ideal work day…

As a GP nurse, my ideal work day centres around my patients, the doctors and the appointment book.

At the start of the day, I perform cold chain management and fridge temperature checks. I sanitise all surfaces and make sure all supplies are stocked up and the equipment is working well.

I see my patients who are booked in for the day for things such as vaccinations, spirometry tests and health assessments and assist doctors in procedures such as cervical screening tests, nail resections, biopsies, iron infusions and Mirena insertions.

I triage patients when they arrive at the clinic if they are feeling unwell and need urgent medical attention. My ideal work day consists of adequate breaks and leaving on time to avoid long term burnout.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. I love going out for brunch and going on beautiful hikes in nature.

I love music. I sing and play keyboards and I’m part of my church band which performs every Sunday. I have a passion for baking cakes and fondant cookies. I even baked my own wedding cake.

I also have a passion for travelling the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to different parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia. I cannot wait to keep travelling the world and exploring new things. 

Do you have any role models and why?

My role models are my husband and parents. My parents worked hard to bring my brother and I to Australia where we could have a better education and life. This has paid off as we both have rewarding jobs. My brother is a physiotherapist.

Both my parents poured their heart and soul into providing for us when we were growing up. They are both hard working and continue to offer endless support.

My husband is also my role model as he continues to show me love and compassion. He wholeheartedly serves others and always shows compassion and kindness, which exemplifies the way I treat my patients. He’s my best friend and partner in crime and my number one supporter through my nursing career and everything.

How do you help educate your patients about maintaining good health?

I help educate my patients by using visual aids as this really helps them to understand. I also use simple layman’s terms and reduce my use of medical jargon so they can understand their diagnosis better and how to manage their health conditions without feeling overwhelmed with big words and lots of information. This leads to better health outcomes.

I also employ methods such as the “teach back” method which is a process where I explain a process to a patient and then they tell me what they have learned to ensure understanding. I reiterate if they are uncertain about something. I also give out pamphlets and refer them to websites for more information.