WORKING IN PRACTICES WITH CONTRASTING POPULATION NEEDS AND ALTERNATIVE FUNDING MODELS GP runs population relay between practices
People In Health Care Series
Dr Jaspreet Saini, GP
Clinic Director, Healthicare &
Practice Owner and Principal GP, Rosedale Medical Practice
Filmed in Rooty Hill, New South Wales | October 2024
Dr Jaspreet Saini is a GP with a decade of experience, practicing in West Pennant Hills and Rooty Hill, New South Wales. He began his medical journey at Monash University, followed by internships and residency at Blacktown Hospital, in Western Sydney. Instead of confining himself to a single specialty, he pursued general practice to explore various facets of medicine.
His career philosophy centres around addressing frustrations within the healthcare system and advocating for multidisciplinary care. This commitment led him to travel to the United States, where he studied diverse healthcare models, particularly in underserved areas. Recognising the potential for improving primary care in Australia, he and his wife purchased a practice in West Pennant Hills in 2019, which has since received multiple awards for its innovative care approach.
However, Dr Saini felt a strong urge to work in a more underserved community to tackle health equity issues. He has been actively involved in a clinic in Rooty Hill since February 2024, focusing on redesigning healthcare delivery in an area characterised by socio-economic challenges and high rates of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
His typical workweek has evolved to blend clinical practice with leadership and management. Three days a week, he coaches healthcare teams, guiding GPs, nurses, and medical assistants to enhance their clinical skills. Additionally, he engages in research related to health equity and models of care, seeking grants and writing papers.
Collaborative partnerships are pivotal to his approach. In Rooty Hill, his practice works closely with organisations like the Western Sydney Diabetes team, adopting proactive strategies to manage patients’ chronic conditions effectively. Through teamwork, they aim to provide holistic and efficient care, recognising that silos within healthcare hinder optimal outcomes.
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Understanding factors of persistent lower back pain in women
Lizzy Quinn is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with 20 years experience focusing on people with spinal pain. Australian Health Journal spoke with Lizzy on the complexities of persistent lower back pain in women.
Lower back pain in women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s is complex to treat due to the combination of physical and emotional factors, and health professionals need to stay updated on best practices and science to provide the best recovery platform for patients. These women typically have busy lives, pressures, and expectations.
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Strategic research investments for health and prosperity
The CEO of Research Australia, Nadia Levin spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
– Current medical research and development landscape in Australia
– Investment required to support the Health and Medical Research and Innovation pipeline
– The National Medical Products Industry Plan and its impact on the Australian economy
– The Health and Medical Research WorkforceIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
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GP Health of The Nation
As Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation, the RACGP represents more than 43,000 members, including more than 24,000 Fellows who have completed specialist training (or its equivalent). These are the frontline GPs who treat almost 22 million patients across the country every year.
Each year the runs a survey across Australian Doctors. This year’s report reflects the experience of more than 1300 RACGP Fellows from across Australia. Despite this and other achievements, the share of total government healthcare spend for primary care is in decline.
