Bell Street Family Medical Centre: A practice built on continuity

Nestled in Melbourne’s Pascoe Vale South, Bell Street Family Medical Centre (BSFMC) doesn’t just stand out for its memorable yellow exterior, but for its commitment to continuity of care, clinical quality, and sustainable practice management.
 
Dr Sidra Akhtar, head doctor at BSFMC, credits her loyal, multi-generational patient base with her continued focus on preventative care and early intervention over just treating acute issues.
 
‘We prioritise building long-term relationships, so we understand not just a patient’s medical history, but their personal context, which helps guide more tailored and effective management,’ she says.
 
Care that covers all stages of life
Dr Akhtar’s decision to pursue general practice was shaped early in her career, following time spent working in hospitals. It was here she discovered building long-term, trusting relationships with her patients could lead to stronger continuity of care.
 
‘What drew me specifically to general practice is the variety and the ability to see patients across all stages of life, as well as the role GPs play as the first point of contact in the healthcare system,’ she says. 
 
Preventive care and early intervention are central pillars for the clinic, with the practice investing time in proactive screening, chronic disease management and lifestyle support – an approach that takes planning, resources, and operational discipline.
 
Expanding care through clinical expertise
Dr Akhtar also wants the practice to be a place where ongoing professional development is non-negotiable – an asset she says benefits both doctor and patient.
 
‘Each GP has different clinical interests, which allows us to offer a broader range of care within the practice,’ she explains.
 
The practice is always looking for ways to improve access and efficiencies for patients through new technologies, while still maintaining their personal, approachable style of care. 
 
‘The goal is to adapt to change while preserving the core values of general practice – continuity, accessibility, and providing holistic care,’ Dr Akhtar says.
 
A financial relationship aligned to practice philosophy
Supporting this balanced, relationship-first approach requires a financial partner that understands the pressures facing the modern world of general practice.
 
BOQ Specialist, an association partner of RACGP, offered Dr Akhtar practice-specific guidance, designed for her financial needs.
 
‘Our banker, Ursula, and the BOQ Specialist team play an important role by … understanding the unique challenges of general practice, which makes a big difference,’ says Dr Akhtar.
 
BOQ Specialist’s experience in the healthcare sector enables Dr Akhtar to make confident, forward-looking decisions. The support she received allowed her to ‘focus more on patient care and less on administrative or financial stress’.
 
That partnership supports both stability today and flexibility for the future, whether that’s expanding services, investing in technology, or developing the next generation of GPs.
 
Success measured in sustainable care
For Dr Akhtar, practice success isn’t measured purely on a growing client list.
 
‘I measure success at both a practice and patient level,’ she says.
 
For the practice, success lies in access and continuity. For the patient, it starts with the clinical, and ends with more holistic measures, which she says are just as important.
 
‘I consider whether patients feel heard, supported, and confident in managing their health,’ Dr Akhtar said.
 
It would come as no surprise that what motivates her is closely aligned with her definitions of success for her own work and BSFMC – it all comes down to relationships.
 
‘Seeing the difference that consistent, holistic care makes over time is incredibly rewarding,’ Dr Akhtar said.
 
Through enduring patient relationships and the support of trusted partners such as BOQ Specialist, BSFMC is well positioned for a sustainable future in general practice.
 
BOQ Specialist - a division of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence no. 244616
 
The issuer and credit provider of these products and services is BOQ Specialist. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. Should you wish to obtain a copy of the Terms and Conditions relating to this product, please contact BOQ Specialist to obtain a copy before making any decision about whether to acquire the products. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Bell Street Medical Centre