ACCESS AND PRODUCTIVITY OUTCOMES WITH RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGY IN WESTERN SYDNEY Outcomes despite insufficient indexation, Government funding and workforce shortages
With
Leon Berkovich, CEO
GE HealthCare Australia and New Zealand
Dr Mansoor Parker
Diagnostic & Interventional Radiologist & Founding Partner,
Quantum Radiology, Sydney
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | November 2025
In Western Sydney, there is currently significant growth accompanied by a notable need for cardiovascular support due to the prevalence of related diseases. It is estimated that the population in this area will reach 6 million by 2041.
With this population growth, there is also a pressing shortage of healthcare professionals in Australia, particularly in the field of radiology, where there are not enough radiographers, sonographers, MRI technicians, and nuclear medicine technicians.
Previously, conducting complex imaging studies required the expertise of highly experienced technicians. Nonetheless, advancements in technology have enabled businesses to invest in new CT scanning technologies, from organisations such as GE HealthCare, making available the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to Dr. Mansoor Parker, a Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist in Western Sydney and Founder of Quantum Radiology, the technology can produce consistent, high-quality studies that do not solely rely on the skill of the technician.
Dr. Parker spoke to Australian Health Journal about the unique nature of Western Sydney as a cultural melting pot that has historically suffered from a lack of high-quality healthcare. His motivation for establishing radiology practices in this area stemmed from his own experiences of limited access to imaging services, especially MRI and interventional procedures.
He notes that the challenges faced by the population often go beyond mere accessibility, including language barriers and the need for culturally sensitive care that respects privacy while delivering high standards of healthcare.
According to Leon Berkovich, CEO of GE HealthCare Australia & New Zealand, GE HealthCare has excelled in obtaining AI patents within the imaging sector, demonstrating significant technological adoption in Australia—a mature market where clinicians are eager to integrate the latest technology across all areas. The growth in Western Sydney continues to highlight the urgent need for cardiovascular imaging services, and demographic projections indicate robust population increases.
Source: Adapted from transcript
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1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage
The Australian Thyroid Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community. The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community.
Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.
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Awareness campaigns and HCP Toolkits for thyroid health
In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.
‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM
The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.
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Rural allied health mentorship program creates opportunities for students and practice
Melanie Roll, a director and physiotherapist at Gen Health Hamilton, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of allied health professionals. Gen Health’s support begins with a work experience program for local secondary school students, where they can observe a variety of health services and participate in an annual careers night to explore allied health career pathways.
Upon moving to tertiary education, students are offered placements through a five-week program designed to transition them from observation to supervised practice and ultimately to seeing their own patients. In their final study year, they can apply for the mentorship program, which aids the transition into private practice.
