Dr Charbel Badr

In times of crisis, communities are urged to look for the lifters, and one person who has gone above and beyond for the Hunters Hill community is Dr Charbel Badr.

Dr Badr established himself at the Hunters Hill Medical Practice on Ryde Road on St Patrick’s Day in 2009. He fast became part of the fabric of the community, caring for residents of all ages and conditions.

Imogen Cornell nominated Dr Badr as a Hunters Hill Hero in recognition of  the care he provides, particularly in response to COVID19 pandemic.

“Dr Badr goes above and beyond as our local GP in Hunters Hill. He is extraordinarily kind, caring and hard working,” Imogen shared.

“He has a young family but he gives so much of his time to looking after the Hunters Hill community. We couldn’t survive without him!”

While Dr Badr was honoured with the nomination, he felt humbled as he is but one part of the Hunters Hill Medical Practice team. “I don’t consider myself a hero. I am just doing my job,” said Charbel.

“Hunters Hill is a really lovely place to practice, it is so community and family focused. I especially love when the children I look after grow up. They go away, travel and grow up, and then come back. It’s so rewarding to watch their journey.”

When the pandemic hit Australia in March, Hunters Hill Medical Practice was prepared. In February, they had already set up an isolated COVID testing area, ordered extra stock and then repurposed their education room for use as a very busy flu clinic.

“The pandemic has been such a strange time. The day we had the local case, we ended testing 42 additional people on top of everything else in the calendar that day. In three months we have gone through 25 years worth of gowns and masks,” Charbel shared.

“It’s nice to be recognised as a nice person – especially after being told I was a very naughty man by a three year old after swabbing their nose for COVID!”

Help us to shine a light on other unsung Hunters Hill Heroes by nominating your hero today.

Please note that nominations for Hunters Hill Heroes will be considered for Citizen of the Year awards.

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