Canberra Family Health Centre’s founder is Associate Professor Dr MARYSE BADAWY, whose medical passion has taken her across the globe. Now she is focusing her skills and expertise at a new practice in Canberra.

While her three older brothers and father pursued careers in finance, Dr Maryse Badawy broke the family tradition and followed her dreams in medicine.

“I am a clinician at heart, and I am a people person,” says Associate Professor Badawy.

“I believe in being thorough and taking the time to get to know my patients and their needs.”

Awarded a Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine and a Masters in Family Medicine, Dr Badawy has practised nationally and internationally for many years.

While working in Hong Kong, Dr Badawy was conferred Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in the Discipline Family Medicine.

“It is exciting to set up a practice with protocols at all levels of general medicine, both administrative and clinical,” she says.

At her Deakin clinic, her status as Principal gives her not only clinical responsibilities, but also sees her overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice, including staff management, financial oversight and compliance with regulations, ensuring continuity of treatment and managing long term patient care while upholding ethical medical practice standards.

“Although at times challenging, I enjoy the satisfaction of being involved at all levels of running a medical practice, building and shaping according to patient and societal needs,” she says.

Beyond her passion for family medicine, Dr Badawy thrives on being a mentor for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate medical students.

“I enjoy imparting experience and knowledge to students and newly graduated doctors who wish to further their education by attaining their Fellowship examination,” she says.

“I believe in not only teaching students, but also mentoring them, to teach them the special atmosphere of a doctor-patient relationship, which plays a pivotal role in managing the patient’s illness.”

“I am thrilled when I meet up with a young medical professional whom I taught and mentored during their undergraduate years.”

Dr Badawy says her favourite part of being a principal practitioner is building relationships with new patients.

“It is really heartwarming to see patients relax knowing that I have a commitment to them.”

“I want to be a doctor and a mentor who can contribute to treating, consoling, comforting, reassuring and supporting both patients and students alike.”

“Trust is a key foundation to the doctor-patient relationship,” she says.

“It is a privilege knowing you’re trusted and that patients can come to you.”

At Canberra Family Health Centre, Dr Badawy says she likes to take her time to fully understand her patients and their needs.

“At Canberra Family Health Centre, we treat the whole person and cater to their entire needs. Patients always appreciate their doctor taking the time to explain complex medical procedures and processes, and providing the knowledge that will improve their quality of life.”

Proud to have cared for four generations of the same family, including children she helped deliver who brought their own children to her as patients, Dr Badawy recognises the individuality of each patient.

“I strive to individualise and deliver care and medicine that is unique to the person.”

“Patient-centered care is incredibly important to me, no two people are the same.”

Dr Badawy says she believes in contributing in any way that she can to the next generation of doctors, her patients and the broader community.

Moving to Canberra from the Gold Coast 18 months ago, she says although she misses her students and former patients, she doesn’t regret being closer to her family.

“You never regret your experiences, because you’ve learned from them.”

“I have moved on and I hope to establish the same experience with a new group of people and have the same sort of interaction with Canberrans as I had in Gold Coast.

“I would like Canberrans to know that I have their backs, that I am here for them and their entire family.

“I utilise available resources, including pathology, radiological investigations, and allied health services, to support patient care and manage their conditions effectively.

“I draw upon the expertise of specialists to assist in addressing their conditions.

“There is no small amount of joy to be had from daily interactions with patients,” she says, “I have had the privilege of rejoicing with my patients whilst sharing their happiness and successes, and crying with them when sharing their sadnesses and crises,

“My day is made when a five or six-year-old tugs at my stethoscope and says, ‘Hello, Dr Badawy!’ and asks to hold my hand as I walk the family to the consulting room.

“Patients (young and old) are like you and me, they reciprocate empathy, commitment and the love they are shown.”

Dr Badawy is taking new patients at her new practice, the Canberra Family Health Centre, Peter Yorke Building, Suite 6, Level 3, 173 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Call 5133 7112 or visit cfhc.com.au