Introducing Dr Farhana Islam

Making a meaningful difference in South Auckland

Read Dr Farhana Islam’s story to discover what brought them to Tāmaki Health, how their career has grown, and what they value most about working in the community.

From hospital medicine to community care

After two years working in a hospital, I wanted to practise as a GP in the community and build lasting therapeutic relationships with patients. I was particularly interested in helping people prevent and manage long-term health conditions along with the mental health and special interest in child with disability and support their family. Tāmaki Health gave me the opportunity to do that in South Auckland.

Growing as a GP

Working with patients across South Auckland has broadened my understanding of the health and social challenges they face. I have had support to develop my clinical knowledge and skills, including opportunities for training in minor procedures and long-acting contraception, such as contraceptive implant insertion. I am grateful to our nurses, reception team and clinic manager, my colleagues Dr Subra, Dr Harshad and Dr Mahesh for their support, and Karen Allen for providing organizational support. That encouragement, together with the organisation’s support for patient follow-up care, has helped me grow as a progressing GP and care for my patients more effectively.

What I enjoy most

I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them make changes that improve their lives. Sometimes that means treating symptoms; sometimes it means helping someone seek support with housing or finances, which can also affect their health. It is rewarding when patients tell me they are feeling better, living more comfortably or worrying less. I also value the support of my colleagues and the positive atmosphere in our clinic. I feel fortunate that “I love my job. I come to work because I want to be here, not I have to be.”

Making care more accessible

I am proud to achieve the access of PHO funding that can cover follow-up appointments for my patients. It helps me offer continued care without the cost of those visits becoming a barrier for them. The kind feedback I have received from patients, including through Google reviews, has also meant a great deal to me.

Working as one team

Being part of the clinic team means working closely with nurses, reception staff, fellow doctors and our clinic manager so patients receive coordinated care. I value the way we communicate, respect one another’s roles and share responsibility for helping patients. My colleagues are approachable and supportive, which makes it easier to keep learning and to provide the best care I can.

Why Tāmaki Health?

Tāmaki Health gives you the chance to make a meaningful difference for patients and community, alongside colleagues who support your development. For me, Tāmaki Health is a place I want to come to work each day because I want to be here, not I have to be.