Meet Dr Juliana Ahmad

Our GPs are a valuable part of our team, not just medical experts but passionate advocates for every patient they meet. They are also multifaceted individuals with passions that go beyond the clinic. Take Dr Juliana Ahmad, equally confident with a blood pressure cuff as she is with a piping bag; her macarons are legendary! 

What inspired you to become a GP? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path? 

When I was a hospital doctor out in my second year, I had the opportunity to work in a General Practice and I absolutely loved the continuity of care I could offer patients, compared to the brief episodic care in the hospital. I love getting to know patients and walking along with them on their journey to wellness and wellbeing.   

If you weren’t a doctor, what do you think you’d be doing instead? 

Ideally, I'd love to open a bakery/cafe and give people happiness in the form of caffeine but realistically I'd probably work in public health policy or education.  

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self when starting your medical studies? 

Run your own race.   

What do you find most rewarding about being a GP? 

Getting to know patients. Everyone is absolutely unique and special. It's a real privilege being given a window into someone else's life and supporting them where possible.  

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about being a GP? 

That it's a really easy job. It's not. We do a lot of unpaid administrative work, but it is incredibly valuable. I am fortunate enough to work in both the GP and hospital system and even taking the time to put together a comprehensive and contemporaneous list of medical conditions can mean the difference between life and death for someone down the road i.e. for a doctor reading their medical record in 10 years.   

How do you approach building trust with your patients? 

Genuine care and consideration.   

What aspect of your work brings you the most joy? 

Patient's taking their wellbeing into their own hands and making changes that benefit them in the long run. 

What attracted you to work at SANAMethod and which clinic do you work in? 

I work in the Rosny SANAMethod clinic and it's an absolute treat working with people who have the motivation to make changes in their lives.   

What’s something unique about SANAMethod that makes it a great place to work? 

Great staff. It's like 'motivation’ in the air!  

How does working here support your growth as a doctor? 

It's been fabulous to enhance my knowledge in personal training, fitness and supplements.   

What is the work culture like at SANAMethod clinics? 

Fabulous and supportive.  

How does SANAMethod help you maintain a good work-life balance? 

Getting into strength training has been the most beneficial thing I have done for my physical wellbeing ever.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine? 

Spending time with the rugrats.  

If you could have dinner with any historical or medical figure, who would it be and why? 

Caroline De Costa. She wrote “The Women's Doc”. It's a great non-fiction book about her life from going through medical school as an unmarried mother in the latter half of the nineties, even having to train in Dublin to become a gynaecologist because in 1974 the Australian training program refused to admit women in their training program. They didn't even have ultrasound then and people would have surprise twins!  

What’s a book, podcast or hobby that has had a big impact on you? 

Cooking is a fun past time for me, and I find it very grounding and predictable, when sometimes life is not!  

Do you have a hidden talent or passion that surprises people? 

Baking. I make a mean macaron! 

Book an appointment with Dr Juliana Ahmad