Health
11 April, 2025
What's up Doc? Meet West Wyalong's new Doctor!
Dr. Jafari starts at Kure Medical
WEST WYALONG residents are welcoming a new face to their community this week as Dr. Hamid Reza Jafari begins his practice at Kure Medical. The Iranian doctor, who recently arrived in Australia after a lengthy journey from Isfahan, Iran, is excited to offer his expertise and experience to the local community.
Dr. Jafari's journey to West Wyalong is not a typical one. Born and raised in Isfahan, a major city in Iran, he graduated as a doctor in 2016 and quickly became involved in general practice. His experiences working in the bustling urban environment of Isfahan shaped his skills as a general practitioner, but the pace of life there was very different from what he’s now experiencing in rural Australia.
"Coming from Isfahan, which is a busy, big city, the pace here in West Wyalong is much slower, which I find refreshing. The people here are kind, welcoming, and very community-focused. I heard a lot of good things about Australia, especially the hospitality and kindness that are second to none. That’s one of the big reasons I chose to come here."
In early April, Dr. Jafari made the long journey from Iran to Australia, with a 23-hour flight, followed by a six-hour train ride from Sydney to Wagga Wagga, and a two-hour bus trip to West Wyalong. It wasn’t a journey without its challenges - especially in navigating the logistics of obtaining his medical license - but Dr. Jafari is grateful for the opportunity.
"I’ve already learned a lot. The healthcare system here is very patient-centred, with an emphasis on follow-up care, which is a great thing," he added.
"GPs here play a major role in the healthcare system, and I’m happy to be part of that."
Dr. Jafari's colleagues in Australia spoke highly of the community and the support system in place for healthcare professionals.
"I’ve heard from many of my colleagues that West Wyalong is like a big family," he explained.
"People really care for each other here, and the atmosphere is very welcoming."
Having already established some connections in Sydney, Dr. Jafari is settling into his new role with enthusiasm. His decision to work in rural Australia, away from the crowds and traffic of city life, is one he feels will allow him to make a meaningful impact in the community.
"I think there are a lot of similarities between Iran and Australia, particularly in the family culture," he said.
"Here, people know their neighbours, and there's a sense of togetherness that’s very similar to what I experienced back home."
With a five-year contract ahead of him, Dr. Jafari is committed to his new life in West Wyalong, where he hopes to build lasting relationships with his patients and colleagues. He encourages others to consider Australia, not just for its quality of life but also for its supportive healthcare environment.
"Australia is a great place to live and work. People here take care of themselves and each other, and that’s a very positive aspect of the culture," he said.
"I would recommend it to anyone looking to start a career in general practice. It's a great place to grow, both personally and professionally."
For now, Dr. Jafari is settling into the quieter, cleaner life of West Wyalong and is eager to begin serving the community at Kure Medical. With his international experience and dedication to patient care, he is sure to become a valued member of the local healthcare team.
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