Topic: Profile

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.

Dr Atifa Khan of My Family Health Medical Centre in Gregory Hills has been a GP since 2002 and has been practising in Gregory Hills for seven years.

Dr Khan decided to become a GP during her residency as she felt it offered the opportunity to provide comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to patients of all ages. Valuing the long-term relationships built with patients and the community, Dr. Khan finds being a GP extremely rewarding. It allows her to deeply understand patients’ needs and provide personalised and effective care.

Outside of work, Dr Khan enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.

How long have you been a GP, and how long have you been practising in Gregory Hills?

I graduated from King Edward Medical College in Pakistan in 2002 and have been working in Australia since 2005. With a special interest in children’s and women’s health as well as weight management, I have been dedicated to these fields throughout my career. We established our Gregory Hills centre in May 2017, and I have been practising here ever since. Additionally, I am an accredited supervisor for the RACGP and serve as a conjoint lecturer with Western Sydney University.

When/why did you decide to be a GP?

I decided to become a GP during my hospital residency. I chose this specialty because it offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages. The continuity of care in this field is deeply rewarding, as I value the long-term relationships I build with my patients and the community.

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

What I enjoy most about being a GP is building long-term professional relationships with my patients and their families. The continuity of care is extremely rewarding, as it allows me to develop a deep understanding of my patients’ needs and provide more personalised and effective care. Additionally, being able to offer comprehensive healthcare across a wide range of medical issues, from preventive care to chronic disease management, is deeply fulfilling.

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

The most important contribution our medical centre makes to this community is providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services. We prioritise patient well-being and strive to improve the health outcomes of everyone we serve. We aim to be a trusted source of medical expertise, guidance, and support for individuals and families in our community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our clinic remained open every day without fail. I also coordinated with the SWSPHN COVID team to assist housebound patients in receiving their COVID vaccines and booster shots.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like spending quality time with my family. I enjoy socialising with family and friends.

I also like travelling.

Is there anything else you’d like to let your fellow primary carers know about you?

I’d like my fellow primary carers to know I am deeply committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our community. I believe in the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest medical advancements to offer the best possible care to my patients. I’m always open to collaboration and sharing knowledge to enhance our collective expertise and improve patient outcomes.

What do you love most about Gregory Hills?

What I love most about Gregory Hills is its diversity. It offers great opportunities to learn and grow professionally while fostering connections with families from various backgrounds. It also provides excellent opportunities to practice in my areas of interest, such as antenatal care, paediatrics, and women’s health.

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

My advice to my patients is to not to underestimate the power of a healthy diet and staying active. Living a healthy lifestyle goes a long way!

“I’ve loved my career”.

Joanna Perks is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at the Liverpool Women’s Health Centre. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Joanna completed midwifery training and “found myself working in primary healthcare”. Later, Joanna pursued a family planning course and continued to advance her primary healthcare career.

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

I have worked as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Liverpool Women’s Health Centre since 2011.

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

My mother was a nurse and midwife who passed away in 1975. I grew up in a rural area where my mother worked at the local hospital. After completing my midwifery training, I found myself working in primary healthcare. Later, I did a family planning course in the late 1980s, and my career progressed from there.

Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care.

I work as a nurse practitioner and play a crucial role in promoting good healthcare. My responsibilities include conducting preventive health check-ups, offering contraception and sexual health services, and providing midwifery care whenever possible. Most of our patients come from marginalised communities, and our women’s health centre is always bustling with activity.

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

Being a nurse practitioner offers a lot of variety and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. I appreciate the collegiality and the chance to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like spending time with my grandchildren, playing the piano and sewing.

Do you have any role models, and why?

My role models are Frida Khalo, the most amazing woman, and my mother, who was gone too soon.

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

As part of my role, I do education groups and talks. We deliver groups for young women, and I have also been a childbirth educator.

I’ve loved my career.

Melissa Gajardo’s passion for nursing led her to a career in primary care. The Campbelltown Medical Centre practice nurse is eager to contribute to improving our community’s health by empowering her patients “to make informed decisions about their health and equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to lead healthier, happier lives”.

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

I am new to general practice nursing, having started just four months ago. Last year I did a three-month contract as a nurse in a correctional facility, which was my first taste of primary care. I have been a registered nurse for 12 years, mostly working in acute care in a tertiary hospital. Other than my nursing contracts out of Sydney I have always serviced the good people of South Western Sydney.

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

I discovered my passion for service care delivery early on. After high school I pursued a Bachelor of Psychology, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. It was my mother, an AIN (Assistant in Nursing) herself, who urged me to consider nursing as a career. Taking her advice, I made the transition, and it’s been a decision I’m truly grateful for.

I specialised in cardiology working in the Coronary Care Unit and the Cardiac Interventional Unit and while I loved my experiences in acute care, my passion for preventative healthcare has grown steadily over the years.

I am eager to make my contribution to addressing risk factors early and do my part in preventing hospital admissions and alleviating an already burdened health system.

Primary healthcare nursing is so multifaceted with so many intriguing opportunities.

From servicing our First Nations people in a remote area of Australia to occupational health, refugee health and early childhood services, the field is rich with possibilities.

Even within my specialty of cardiology, roles in cardiac rehabilitation and managing conditions like rheumatic heart disease in children present compelling avenues for impact.

I am currently enrolled in the immunisation accreditation program and would also like to undertake study to become a Credentialed Diabetic Nurse Educator.

I look forward to using my newly acquired skills in primary care to work in a remote care setting in the future.

Tell us about the role of nurses in primary care

The role of primary healthcare nurses is dynamic and centred around delivering personalised care with a strong emphasis on preventive measures and disease management.

On a typical day as a general practice nurse I work closely with GPs to perform a range of tasks, including wound dressings, medication education and administration, including Immunisations.

I also perform health assessments and have recently begun doing chronic disease management plans.

In my general practice the nurses assist the GPs with cervical screenings, IUD insertions, skin lesion removal and biopsies, as well as conducting diagnostic tests such as ECGs, ABIs and spirometry.

We also are involved with meticulous documentation and record keeping and actively participate in quality and safety by performing cold chain management, ordering appropriate stock and sterilising equipment.

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

The essence of nursing lies in the connections forged with our patients and community.

In acute care, I’ve been privileged to share pivotal moments in patients’ lives – sometimes it’s the worst day of their lives.

Witnessing their resilience in adversity has been the most rewarding aspect of my role. It’s humbling to see their strength, and it’s instilled in me a profound appreciation for the fragility of health, the preciousness of life and the inevitability of death.

Beyond the patient interactions, the camaraderie among colleagues has been equally fulfilling.

Nursing isn’t just a profession, it’s a community built on shared experiences, respect and trust.

The friendships and networks I’ve cultivated over the years have enriched my journey and I have made friends for life.

Tell me about your ideal work day…

My ideal workday involves walking into the general practice to find everything running smoothly: all routine checks completed, stocked up on supplies and technology functioning well.

I see my patients on time, ensuring I have enough time to give them the attention they need without feeling rushed.

If an unwell patient needs urgent care, I’m ready to triage and provide appropriate management.

Taking a break at a reasonable time. Having positive interactions with patients and colleagues to make the day enjoyable and productive.

Finally, leaving work on time.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love spending time with my dog Eleven, she is a spirited Kelpie x Golden Retriever mix.

Despite her occasional quirks, I find joy in our daily walks together.

Quality time with my partner and family is equally enjoyable, whether we’re cozying up for a movie night or engaging in a not so friendly game of Catan.

Travelling is another passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate to explore various countries.

However, there’s still so much of Australia left for me to discover.

My partner and I recently explored Tasmania over a 14-day trip and it left a lasting impression on us.

More than 40 per cent of Tasmania is protected as national parks and reserves, which offered a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in an unspoilt wilderness.

We enjoyed encounters with native wildlife, from wombats to penguins and even a platypus!

We also learnt about Tasmania’s rich convict history and thoroughly enjoyed the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Do you have any role models and why?

My role model is undoubtedly my mother, Marcelina.

Arriving in Australia in the 1980s with little more than determination, she and my father built a fulfilling life for our family from the ground up.

Her unwavering dedication shines through in every aspect of her life.

As an Assistant in Nursing, she has tirelessly cared for the elderly for over three decades, embodying compassion and professionalism.

Beyond her job, she’s been an exceptional mother, confidant and friend, always offering unwavering support and love.

Her ability to give wholeheartedly to others, coupled with her strong work ethic, serves as an enduring inspiration to me.

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

I firmly believe in the power of preventative healthcare and the adage prevention is better than cure.

My approach to educating patients about good health begins with fostering open, uninterrupted conversations where patients feel empowered to take charge of their own well-being.

I actively listen to their concerns and symptoms, encouraging them to explore resources and strategies available to them in their daily lives to address these issues.

Many patients often express regret about not prioritising their health earlier, and I strive to reassure them that they are not alone in facing challenges imposed by modern society.

By acknowledging these factors, we can work together to identify areas where they can take action and regain control over their health.

Supportive counselling is really important in these interactions as building a trusting relationship helps to foster open communication and collaboration in achieving health goals.

I emphasise the importance of simple lifestyle changes because even small adjustments can yield significant improvements in their symptoms or overall well-being.

Whether it’s making dietary modifications, incorporating regular exercise, or implementing stress-reduction techniques, I provide guidance and support tailored to each individual’s needs.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to lead healthier, happier lives.

Dr Fiona Mackintosh, of Highlands General Practice Moss Vale, grew up in the Highlands and worked in Sydney for almost 20 years, specialising in women’s and children’s health, before returning to the Highlands about 12 years ago.

Her journey into medicine was sparked by seeing her sister undergo a brain operation at age four and a fascination with biology and science in high school.

She loves the practice scope of being in a regional area, being able to raise her children in “a beautiful area” and having family nearby.

Dr Mackintosh also advocates for long COVID, having had long COVID since February 2022.

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

I had always been fascinated by biology and science at high school. My sister had a brain operation when she was four years old, and I loved the atmosphere of the kid’s hospital – the staff, the patients, the whole thing. 

I was very interested in doing paediatrics but I also wanted a flexible job around childcare and family. I decided to change to general practice. And it suits me; I am a generalist.

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

I love the variety. No day is ever the same. It is exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming, BUT never boring!

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

Living in a regional area means my practice here differs greatly from the city. We really do provide all ages and all-persons care. From pregnancy to aged care, home visits, Residential Aged Care Homes and after-hours. The GPs in my area provide an holistic and community-focused service.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have two kids, one in her last years at school. I love to read; I’m in two book clubs. My latest hobby is Tai Chi – so good for balance and relaxation. I attend a class in the park near Bradman Oval. So, refreshing on the cool Highland mornings.

Is there anything else you’d like to let your fellow primary carers know about you?

I have had long COVID since February 2022. It has left me very fatigued. I encourage all GPs to educate themselves about long COVID, as the number of people affected will keep increasing, and it will be more and more difficult to recognise and manage. We need to remain aware and compassionate.

What do you love most about Moss Vale?

Moss Vale is a beautiful area. The main street and park especially. Great coffee shops, restaurants and gift shops. A lovely mix of people. 

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

Good health is a balance. The key is exercising, eating healthily, sleeping well, maintaining good connections with your loved ones, community, and your GP.

Dr Pedrag Tomasevic, of Health Check Family Medical Practice, has been practicing in Liverpool since 1999. He loves the diversity of the city and his patients, and feels fortunate his practice is in the medical precinct of Liverpool and close to all allied health services as well as Liverpool Hospital.

How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practicing in the Liverpool LGA? 

Since 1999

When/why did you decide to become a GP? 

I like the variety of work in general practice. I also wanted a work life balance.

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

The wide variety of patients and varying age groups from newborns to elderly patients.

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

High quality team-based bulk billed medical care to our community.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Spend time with my family.

What do you love most about Liverpool?

It’s a dynamic place. There are a wide variety of patients and varying ethnic groups. We are located in the medical precinct of Liverpool, our clinic is very well supported with numerous radiology practices, pharmacies, medical specialists, allied health professionals and Liverpool Hospital all within walking distance of our clinic.

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

Be proactive and see your GP promptly if you have any medical concerns.

Dr Vincent Roche, of Southern Medical Moss Vale, has been working in the Wingecarribee region for almost 40 years, and loves the clean air, limited traffic and active outdoor lifestyle it offers. As a country GP, he finds it “really special” when his work spans the generations – delivering babies to doing palliative care within an extended family.

How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in the Wingecarribee LGA? 

37 years.

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

After spending two to three years working in the hospital system as Resident Medical Officer (RMO).

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

The longitudinal care a GP can give a family throughout their lives and across several generations is pretty amazing! To deliver babies and do palliative care within extended families is really special.

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

To help our patients become more health literate and take responsibility for their own health.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

What is spare time?! Just joking! Bushwalking, cycling, mountain biking, volunteering as a senior official in equestrian sport.

What do you love most about Wingecarribee?

Four clear seasons. Clean air. Not too much traffic. Small enough to know a good number (but not all) of people. Lots of National Park.

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

Take responsibility for your own health. Eat healthy stuff. Exercise most days. Do stuff for other people.