Clinicians unite in Western Sydney to strengthen care for diabetes and severe obesity
Clinicians from across Sydney have come together to strengthen early detection and management of prediabetes and severe obesity at a collaborative workshop hosted by the Diabetes and Obesity Clinical Academic Group, a Sydney Health Partners initiative.
The event brought together general practitioners, researchers, Primary Health Network (PHN) representatives and consumer advisors from Nepean Blue Mountains, Sydney, Western Sydney and North Sydney Local Health Districts.
With diabetes and obesity rates continuing to rise, this workshop explored opportunities to enhance how primary care teams identify risk, engage patients and connect them with local services.
Dr Kathryn Williams, Head of Endocrinology for Nepean Hospital, described the workshop as an opportunity to draw together leading experts to reflect on ways to improve GP models of care for prediabetes and obesity.
“Primary care plays a critical role in early detection and intervention. By working more closely across districts and with our PHN partners, we can ensure people receive timely, and compassionate support, no matter where they enter the system,” says Kathryn, who is also the Clinical Lead and Manager of the Nepean Family Metabolic Health Service.
A PHN panel discussed regional challenges and future opportunities to support GPs, while a panel of health consumers offered powerful insights into stigma, communication and the realities of navigating care.
“Hearing directly from people with lived experience was one of the most powerful aspects of the day. Their stories remind us that behind every guideline and clinical decision is a person navigating real‑world challenges. Their insights help shape care that is respectful, stigma‑free and truly patient‑centred,” says Kathryn.
Clinicians identified practical improvements to strengthen team‑based management and support more consistent care across NSW.
“Preventing diabetes and severe obesity requires genuine partnership between clinicians, PHNs, and the communities we serve. Today showed how powerful those partnerships can be when we work with shared purpose,” says Kathryn.
The Diabetes and Obesity Clinical Academic Group is a Sydney Health Partners initiative bringing together over 100 clinicians, researchers, and health consumers to translate research evidence into clinical practice. It aims to improve care for those managing diabetes and obesity through translational research, focusing on lifestyle, diet, and virtual care. The group emphasises consumer voices and evidence-based practice. The Diabetes and Obesity Clinical Academic Group is one of 12 Sydney Health Partner Clinical Academic Groups.