Topic: Profile

For Southern Medical Centres’ practice manager Genevieve Stewart being in a team which makes a positive impact in the community is just part of what she finds rewarding about her role. She feels “lucky every day” to work in a place she calls home and contribute to improving local health outcomes.

How long have you been a practice manager?

About two and a half years now. I started with Southern Medical in 2020, right as COVID decided to shake things up. I was finishing my psychology studies at the time and, after wrapping up my honour’s thesis, I stepped into the practice manager role in late 2022.

How long have you been working in the region?

My husband and I moved to the Highlands back in 2008 so I’ve had a good while to fall in love with the place.

What was the career path that led you here?

Let’s call it “delightfully eclectic”. I started out in finance with NAB and RAMS, then managed my family’s large caravan park in Sydney.

After moving to the Highlands, we owned a local newsagency. Eventually, I took the plunge back into study and found myself working part-time at Southern Medical. Somewhere along the line, I realised I had found my people and my place.

Why did you decide to work in primary care?

It’s hard not to love a job where you’re helping people every day. There’s something deeply rewarding about being part of a team that genuinely makes a positive impact in the community — and somehow still has a laugh doing it.

Tell us about the role of practice managers in primary care. What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Every day is a little different, which keeps things interesting (and me on my toes). In short, I try to make sure the whole show runs smoothly — or at least looks like it does from the outside.

My days might involve managing schedules, sorting out HR hiccups, calming down a photocopier on strike, wrangling compliance, planning our next strategic steps, or maybe changing a lightbulb. It’s a bit of everything and that’s what I love about it. You need to be organised, adaptable and definitely have a sense of humour.

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

I like to think of myself as the backstage crew to their headline act. While the clinicians are out there saving lives and keeping people healthy, I’m behind the scenes making sure the lights are on, the doors are open, and no one’s been double-booked in Room 5.

Truthfully, it’s a little more complex than that—but it’s all part of a symbiotic relationship. The health professionals help the patients, and the admin team and I try to make sure nothing falls apart while they’re doing it.

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

When I stepped into the role, it was a tricky time for the practice — but we pulled together and built a team that’s genuinely close-knit and supportive which had gone from strength to strength. That makes everything worthwhile.

I love helping people, I have an odd fondness for spreadsheets and I get a strange thrill when a complex schedule finally comes together. There’s joy in solving the chaos that others avoid and being the go-to fixer when something breaks or unravels. It’s often fast-paced, a little bonkers, but incredibly rewarding.

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

The Southern Highlands is genuinely special — natural beauty, a strong sense of community and still close enough to larger cities without the traffic or noise. It’s peaceful, friendly and full of character.

What motivates you to work in our region?

I feel lucky every day to work in a place I also call home. Being able to support our community and contribute to local health outcomes is a real privilege. The Highlands really is the best of both worlds — connected yet calm.

Do you have any role models and why?

I’m inspired by many, but I’m particularly moved by strong women who’ve turned adversity into advocacy. Also, anyone who uplifts others and celebrates their wins earns my respect. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by those kinds of people both at work and in my personal life.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m still studying (because apparently, I am sucker for punishment), but when I do have downtime, I love spending it with my family, my slightly ridiculous dog Freddie, and my amazing friends — usually over cheese and a cheeky wine or two.

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

Southern Medical has a strong chronic disease management program, and we work closely with a range of allied health professionals — from physio and podiatry to massage, speech and psychology.

We focus on integrated care and making sure patients know their options. We also run a regular health blog and share practical health tips on social media. And we’re always keen to get involved in PHN programs and any other local initiatives that support our patients’ wellbeing.

 

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This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.

As a GP in Cabramatta Dr Thoa-Van (Tom) Le provides care to a culturally diverse community. He is proud to treat his patients across their different life stages and be part of their journey towards wellness.

How long have you been a GP?

I have been a GP for more than 18 years. I achieved my AMC certification in 2006 and completed my RACGP Fellowship. Since then, I have been practising with both general and specialist registration in general practice.

How long have you been practising in South Western Sydney?

I have been in South Western Sydney since 2019, after establishing my own clinic in Cabramatta. Prior to that, I worked in regional NSW for more than a decade, including Muswellbrook and Singleton.

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

I decided to become a GP because I wanted to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients and their families. My early background in surgery gave me strong clinical foundations, but I found the continuity and holistic approach of general practice to be more personally rewarding. General practice allows me to care for the whole person, not just their illness.

What do you love most about being a GP?

What I love most is the trust patients place in me over time. It’s deeply satisfying to support patients across different life stages, manage chronic conditions and offer preventive care which truly makes a difference. Seeing improvements in their health and being part of their journey toward wellness is the most fulfilling aspect of my job.

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

Our practice provides accessible, culturally sensitive and continuous care to a diverse population in South Western Sydney, including many migrant and elderly patients. We offer not only medical support but also reassurance and stability, especially for those with limited English proficiency or complex health needs.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy traveling, which allows me to explore different cultures and perspectives. I also love playing and watching soccer and tennis. At home, I unwind by reading and listening to music, especially classical pieces and romantic ballads.

What do you love most about your region?

South Western Sydney is vibrant and multicultural. I love the sense of community and resilience among the people here. There’s a strong spirit of mutual support and it’s a privilege to serve in an area which reflects such diversity and warmth.

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

I always encourage a balanced lifestyle which includes regular physical activity, nutritious eating, good sleep hygiene and mental wellbeing. I remind my patients prevention is better than cure and emphasise routine check-ups, immunisations and early intervention. I also stress the importance of maintaining social connections and managing stress effectively.

Highlands General Practice manager Sarah Pryor loves working with a dedicated team of health professionals and supporting her local community. Based in Bowral, she believes a focus on innovation and development is vital for the benefit of staff and patients alike.

How long have you been a practice manager?

A combined total of more than 20 years.

How long have you been working in the Bowral region?

I moved to the Southern Highlands in 2008. I worked part-time after maternity leave and started work as the practice manager at Bowral Street Medical Practice, now Highlands General Practice, in December 2013.

What was the career path which led you here?

I started working as receptionist in a large general practice in Canberra a couple of years after leaving school and ended up managing the practice.

I was also studying business management, and it provided a great framework to understand how general practice works: from clinical to business, customer service, HR, systems and so on. I was young and made a lot of mistakes, but I was lucky to have a couple of great mentors, and being (embarrassingly) keen helped.

This experience and study piqued my interest in human resources, and I moved to Sydney to further that career before coming, full circle, back to general practice.

Why did you decide to work in primary care?

Having had a range of experiences in private industry, state and local government, I found the roles I enjoyed the most were those aligned with my personal values. I also love working as part of a team where people gain genuine satisfaction from contributing and collaborating on work to support local communities.

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

Practice management roles vary depending on size and services provided by the practice.

On an operational level, practice management involves an enormous amount of planning and organising to support patients, doctors and staff and make it all look seamless.

Day to day this involves managing the appointment book, providing staff training, liaising with doctors, staff, patients, external stakeholders, rostering, building maintenance and repairs and so on. It is certainly a mixed bag and never a dull day.

My current role as general manager is to provide strategic direction and support to the practice management team to operationalise strategic goals in a way which is consistent with our values and vision.

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

It is always about the teamwork. The general manager role complements the role of other health professionals by working, as part of a team, to build a solid framework of systems and processes so doctors and nurses can focus on providing quality clinical care.

What do you find the most fulfilling about your role?

I love working with such a great bunch of talented, dedicated and supportive people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Having a focus on innovation and development is a lot of fun and being a teaching practice is super special as everyone’s journey is different. Students and registrars make valuable contributions to the strong learning and development culture.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Running, family uber driver, reading, gardening, hanging out with friends, family and our dog. Also watching way too many sausage dog reels on insta….

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

The Southern Highlands is an amazing place to live and work. We are lucky to still have a lovely country feel but be so well serviced with schools, medical services, cultural activities and wonderful bushland to explore on our doorstep. The commute is tough, seven minutes on a bad day.

Do you have any role models and why?

I have been very privileged to work with so many incredible people who I have looked up to and found inspiring.

When I was younger a few people really stood out because they were generous with their time and patience. As my career has matured, I have been lucky enough to work with people who still inspire me to take on new challenges, outside my comfort zone – it turns out old dogs can still learn a new trick or two!

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

Highlands General Practice helps educate the community about maintaining good health by promoting and providing a range of preventative, screening and chronic care services. We have access to so many great education resources and patient engagement tools these days which support in-practice education.

Chronic care is a valuable opportunity to focus on education in areas such as diet, exercise, mental health, living with chronic disease, social and community engagement. We are lucky to have an expert team of nurses who drive our chronic care program, and they really help motivate patients to maintain the best health they can.

 

Meet more of the people making a difference – visit our profiles page.

As the practice manager at Park Central Family Practice in Campbelltown, Ronald Torres is proud to “wear many hats”. With a background in sales and marketing, Ronald brings his passion for organisation to his role and plays an important part in developing the practice to its full potential and ensuring its continued success.

How long have you been a practice manager?

I have been a practice manager for more than 15 years now and have worked in this region the whole time.

What was the career path which led you here?

My career initially began in sales and marketing, and I spent more than 20 years in the airline industry. Healthcare was not a field I had originally planned to work in but in early 2009 Dr Steve Nguyen and Dr Grace Torres founded this practice, and I became involved on a limited basis while still working at the airport.

As the practice expanded and additional healthcare professionals joined the team, I recognised the growing need for operational support. This inspired me to transition into a full-time role where I could contribute to the practice’s development and help ensure its continued success.

Since then, I have been deeply committed to supporting the practice’s growth and providing quality healthcare services to the community.

Why did you decide to work in primary care?

I have always been fascinated by those who dedicate their careers to primary care. Their unwavering commitment to helping others, combined with the hard work and compassion they bring to their roles, is truly inspiring.

Tell us about the role of practice managers in primary care

As a practice manager my primary responsibility is to ensure both the clinical and administrative teams can always perform at their best. My role is to manage the operational and administrative aspects of the practice so doctors can focus entirely on patient care, which is their expertise and passion. A smoothly run practice allows doctors to dedicate more time to their patients, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.

My day begins the moment I wake up. I typically start by remotely accessing the practice server from home to review each doctor’s appointment schedule. I also handle unexpected staffing issues, such as finding replacements for team members who are unable to work. If a doctor is unwell and unable to attend their scheduled appointments, I co-ordinate patient notifications via Hotdoc Broadcast to minimise disruptions.

Beyond administrative duties, I am involved in nearly every operational aspect of the practice. From resolving IT issues, fixing equipment and maintaining the facility, to overseeing payroll, bookkeeping and financial reporting. I manage doctors’ income calculations, tax invoices and compliance reporting to the ATO. Additionally, I serve as the liaison for all HR matters.

In short, I wear many hats—administrator, accountant, payroll officer, bookkeeper, IT support, HR manager, and even a handyman when needed.

My goal is to create a seamless, efficient environment where healthcare professionals can focus on what they do best: providing exceptional patient care.

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

I consider myself very fortunate to work alongside a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals. The clinical team at our practice is not only knowledgeable but also collaborative and easy to work with. Over time, I have developed a strong understanding of their expectations of me, just as they understand the support I provide in return.

A key aspect of my role is to be readily available to our doctors and nurses, assisting them in any way possible to ensure their work runs smoothly.

I also take the initiative to introduce new technologies and innovative solutions which could enhance their daily workflows and improve efficiency. However, implementing new systems can sometimes be challenging, as adapting to change is not always easy for everyone. My approach is to provide guidance, training and support to help ease the transition, ensuring any new processes ultimately benefit both the team and the quality of patient care we deliver.

What do you love about your job?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is hearing first-hand from patients – whether in my office or outside the practice – about the profound impact our doctors have had on their lives during their most challenging times. It is equally rewarding to know our administrative staff consistently provide empathy and support, ensuring every patient feels welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. Knowing our team makes such a meaningful difference in people’s lives is what makes my work so fulfilling.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cycling has always been a passion of mine, and I used to spend a significant amount of time bike riding with my wife, often going on long bike rides two to three times a week. However, this routine was disrupted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These days, I have shifted my focus to other hobbies, including making biltong, jerky and pizza, as well as tending to my backyard vegetable garden. I find great satisfaction in creating homemade food and cultivating fresh produce as it allows me to unwind while staying productive.

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

I have been a resident of the Campbelltown area for the past 35 years, and I truly appreciate the unique balance it offers. With my workplace just 15 minutes from home, I enjoy the convenience of a short drive.

What I love most about this area is its ability to maintain a sense of rural charm while still providing access to modern amenities. Residents can enjoy peaceful surroundings while also benefiting from excellent restaurants, cinemas and a well-developed commercial complex, making it a great place to live and work.

Do you have any role models and why?

I don’t have a specific role model, but I deeply admire my father’s leadership throughout his career. He had an exceptional ability to lead and consistently inspire his sales team, fostering both motivation and success. His leadership was built on respect, integrity and a strong work ethic, earning the admiration of everyone around him.

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

Our practice takes a proactive approach to promoting health and wellness initiatives, including immunisation programs for all our patients. Our dedicated clinical team consistently educates patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

In recent years, we have had patients join our cycling team to complete challenging rides such as the Sydney to Wollongong Bike Ride and the Bobbin Head Ride. These initiatives reflect our commitment to not only treating illnesses but also fostering a culture of preventive healthcare and overall well-being.

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.

 

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.