Meeting people where they are

• Dr Helena Gawlinska trained and practised in the UK for almost 30 years
• She moved to Australia in 2009 and never looked back
• Dr Gawlinska enjoys the flexibility and human side of working as a GP including volunteering with purpose through MDA National's Street Side Medics partnership

How would you describe your day-to-day life as a GP?

It’s always interesting – you never quite know what will come through the door. You see people from all walks of life. A large part of my role is being an advocate for patients, helping them navigate complex health pathways, and coordinating their care. It’s important to ensure they’re supported in the system and don’t get lost, because that can easily happen.

How did you first hear about Street Side Medics, and what made you volunteer with them?

I was actively looking for volunteer medical work, so I did a bit of Google search around 2022 to see what was out there. When I came across Street Side Medics, I immediately felt it aligned with my values. I initially made a donation, and I also put my name down as someone willing to volunteer. I joined at the very start of the Marrickville clinic in early 2023. I really value the outreach model which is taking healthcare to people who might otherwise miss out. It does feel like authentic general practice.

How is your day-to-day experience with Street Side Medics?

I volunteer about one or two sessions a month, and my regular clinic is in Woolloomooloo. I’m always happy to step in if there’s a cancellation or a doctor is unwell at short notice. I’ve now worked across four clinics, and each one is quite different in terms of the community it serves. The team leaders are outstanding. They provide essential clinical oversight and continuity of care, which means patients are known, remembered and supported. Our volunteers and support staff do so much of the work that breaks down barriers – building relationships, encouraging people, and creating a safe space where patients can be seen; even if they don’t have a Medicare number, or feel uncomfortable sharing their real name. In a traditional setting, those people might be turned away.

What are the challenges of volunteering with Street Side Medics?

I think a lot of it is around the uncertainty. These challenges rarely exist in isolation, so you have to prioritise what you can help with in that moment. It’s about understanding what matters most to the patient, building trust over time, and staying non-judgmental, open and encouraging. That’s very different from routine general practice, where the concerns can sometimes be relatively minor; whereas here, patients often have multiple significant health and social issues happening all at once.

Is this something you’ve always wanted to do? Have you volunteered before?

Yes. I’ve always had a strong urge to volunteer. On the medical side, I’ve been on a couple of short-term missions: one to Vanuatu, working on a boat; and another to Fiji. Outside of medicine, I volunteered with OzHarvest for about eight years here in Sydney. I started by helping with their Cooking for a Cause program, usually about twice a month, mostly washing up… and honestly, I’m not very good at it!

When you think about social impact on healthcare, what does that look like for you?

It’s about meeting people where they are. It means putting judgement aside and offering respectful, compassionate care – which is exactly what I see everyone at Street Side Medics doing. The impact happens in small, steady steps. A big part of it is restoring trust; helping people feel healthcare is safe, supportive, and there for them.

Have you ever needed support from MDA National – for example, calling for advice, or any interactions with the team?

Yes. Since joining MDA National – I think about seven years ago – I’ve called a couple of times for advice. Thankfully, I haven’t had any complaints (touch wood). But whenever I’ve needed guidance, the team has always been very good, helpful, sensible, and easy to talk to.

A commitment to social impact

 

MDA National launched their official partnership with Street Side Medics in May 2025, undertaking the combined goal of bringing healthcare directly to communities that need it while contributing to a broader vision of a better future for all.

Since commencement of the joint venture, MDA National has extended support beyond the linear financial realm. We are assisting Street Side Medics in reaching potential volunteers through our membership base, as well as facilitating access to established educational resources and medico-legal expertise when required.

As part of our broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy, MDA National is highly committed to strengthening communities where we live and work, with an important key focus on partnering for healthier communities and Indigenous reconciliation. For MDA National, making a long-term impact starts here and now.