January 17, 2025#WeAreNorthern
Meet Tina Zafari, Hospital Medical Officer (HMO), who was recently selected as an Australian Medical Council (AMC) Board Member.
Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?
A: Small soy latte.
Q: How does it feel to have been selected as an AMC Board Member?
It feels incredibly rewarding and humbling to be selected as an AMC Board Member. This role is an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of medical standards in Australia while advocating for the perspectives and needs of international medical graduates. I’m excited to collaborate with esteemed colleagues to help ensure our healthcare system continues to uphold excellence, inclusivity, and equity.
Q: What will this role entail?
A: As an AMC Board Member, my role will involve contributing to the development and oversight of standards for medical education and practice in Australia. This includes evaluating pathways for registration, ensuring they are fair and rigorous, and supporting a diverse, high-quality medical workforce. I’ll also have the opportunity to advocate for international medical graduates, helping to address challenges they face and promote their valuable contributions to Australian healthcare.
Q: What impact do you hope to make on International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as a Board Member?
A: As a Board Member, I hope to make a meaningful impact by advocating for more supportive pathways for IMGs. My goal is to ensure their contributions are fully recognised and that they receive the resources and guidance needed to integrate successfully into the Australian healthcare system.
With approximately 50 per cent of Australians either born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas, IMGs play a vital role in providing culturally sensitive care. Their multilingual skills enhance communication and build trust with patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, ensuring equitable healthcare access and strengthening trust in the healthcare system.
Q: Tell us about your journey and role at Northern Health?
A: I started working in Australia as an ED HMO with provisional registration at the Northern Hospital in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was severely affecting Victoria. The Northern ED team was incredibly supportive, and many of the consultants played a key role in helping me learn the nuances of the system and adapt quickly. Thanks to the mentorship and guidance of my supervisors, Northern Health supported me in obtaining my general registration in 2021.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a resident across various metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, locum around Victoria, and start surgical assisting in private hospitals as a side hustle. These experiences have provided me with a broad perspective on the Australian healthcare system, working in both the public and private sectors across metro and regional areas, and across various specialties. This has been invaluable in developing my clinical skills and deepening my understanding of Australian healthcare system.
Q: What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I love Cabernet Wine and belly dancing!
