Building connections at The Doctors Table in Griffith

Dr Negin Dadras and Dr Adya Akeraina from Griffith Medical Centre.

MPHN’s recent Doctors Table event at La Scala Restaurant in Griffith was a resounding success, bringing together nearly 20 general practitioners from Griffith for a casual and informal dinner. The evening fostered a positive atmosphere for discussions and networking, with attendees enjoying the opportunity to engage with MPHN’s Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert and meet our new CEO, Stewart Gordon. 

The feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with GPs particularly appreciating the chance to connect with colleagues in their region, some of whom they had not previously met. The discussions covered a range of topics important to the general practice community, including: 

- An overview of MPHN and its activities.

Registrar Dr Selin Birro and her husband Melih Asaroglu, and Dr Shahid Abbas, from Kookora Surgery.

- HealthPathways and their implementation.

- The growing use of AI in general practice, the pros and cons, legal implications, and the need for practice management and owners to be aware of its use and extent within their teams.

- Opportunities for involvement with MPHN, such as advisory groups.

- Workload challenges faced by GPs.

- A deeper understanding of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), particularly in relation to chronic disease management (CDM).

- The complexities of starting a new practice.

Karlie Aitkin (Practice Manager Griffith Medical Centre), Dr Tania Khan (Practice Principal Giffith Medical Centre, Hanwood Medical Centre, Driver Medical Centre), MPHN’s CEO Stewart Gordon, and Dr Selin Birro (Registrar, Kookora Surgery).

- The benefits of living in Griffith, such as a great lifestyle, ample space, ease of getting around, and a well-organised health precinct with practices, allied health services, and the hospital all in the same area. The friendly population was also highlighted as a key benefit of the region. 

The conversation also touched on some pressing challenges:

- The lack of mental health clinicians and services in the region, which continues to be a significant concern.

- The high number of Level 4 and 5 presentations to the emergency department, underscoring the need for more education on when to use Health Access services or visit a GP for these types of illnesses.

Dr Mohammad Islam (Griffith AMS), MPHN’s Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert, and Dr Fariha Sultana (Your Health Griffith).

- The complexities surrounding patients with multiple health issues, which adds to the workload and pressures on local GPs. 

In addition to these professional conversations, there was plenty of light-hearted chat and personal storytelling, allowing GPs to get to know each other better and share their experiences. 

The next Doctors Table event will take place on Thursday 12 September 2024 at the Finley Country Club. Another dinner is scheduled for Thursday 24 October 2024, at the Albion Country Club in Cootamundra, for GPs in the Riverina region. Invitations for the October event will be issued later this month.

The Doctors Table is an initiative designed to provide GPs with a relaxed setting to unwind after work, connect with colleagues, and discuss regional issues and opportunities. These dinners allow MPHN to share details about available opportunities for GPs and gather insights on how we can better support you and enhance the health and wellbeing of our local communities. 

For more information, please contact MPHN’s Senior Lead Engagement and Design – General Practice Initiatives Andrew Heap via email Andrew.heap@mphn.org.au or phone 02 6923 3131.