We would like to congratulate Dr Thava Seelan from Bridgeview Medical Practice in Toongabbie, on being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), during the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. This prestigious award recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service or contributions to their communities, with Dr Seelan being recognised for his work championing holistic health care in Western Sydney.
Dr Seelan believes that the whole person, the family, the community, and whole societal approach is the fundamental, ecological health model of primary care.
Running a practice in an economically challenged area for 11 years, he admits, at times it has not always been an easy journey, but by focusing on holistic care for his patients he feels he is making progress.
“I have the privilege of being involved in my patients’ lives amid moments of joy, sorrow, heartbreak, celebrations, life and finally death. Sometimes we can impact where their journey leads, while other times we can only hold their hands as they walk a painful and difficult road”, says Dr Seelan
His passion to improve the health outcomes for struggling members of society has seen him establish a local diabetes education program with community volunteers, and work abroad with emergency relief programs in Sri Lanka, where he grew up.
WentWest Primary Care Transformation Manager, Kieren Morgan says “On behalf of WentWest we are thrilled to see Dr Thava Seelan honoured with an OAM. He has been delivering dedicated, quality care to Western Sydney for many years. His commitment to his patients of all backgrounds, his volunteer work in Sri Lanka and his contribution to Western Sydney University has made a tangible difference to the community and we look forward to supporting him for many years to come”.