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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Mission to raise awareness of sarcoma and need for clinical trial funding
Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, remains the deadliest cancer for children and young adults, accounting for nearly one third (30%) of cancer-related deaths among those aged 15–24 and one tenth (10%) of those aged 0–14. Further, still severely under-diagnosed, sarcoma only accounts for one sixth (15%) of all cancer diagnoses in the 15 – 24 age group, and less than a tenth (8%) among children under 10.
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Access and productivity outcomes with radiology technology in Western Sydney
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.
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South Australia prioritises preventive health
On 28th November 2024, the SA Parliament passed legislation to make preventive health a key part of South Australian health system for the first time, through a new agency aptly named Preventive Health SA.
Preventive Health SA will lead evidence-informed and innovative action to prevent and reduce the burden of non-communicable health conditions and improve health equity across the South Australia population.
