Name: Dr Jay Pawar
Position: General practitioner and owner/founder
Place of work: Health and Wellbeing Wulguru
Health and Wellbeing Wulguru
Health and Wellbeing Wulguru is a family-owned, fully bulk-billing medical general practice in Townsville that provides a range of general, allied, and specialist health services. The multidisciplinary practice offers services from GPs, psychologists, physiotherapists, and dietitians, among others, with the goal of providing accessible, patient-first care.
Tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like?
As Principal GP, my day starts early – usually around 7am and runs through to 6pm. We’re still settling in, so each morning I ensure everything is up and running.
I lead a team of four GPs and work alongside several specialists, including an endocrinologist, neurologist, and nephrologist. We also have allied health professionals such as a physiotherapist, psychologist, dietitian, and audiologist, and we’re currently looking to add a podiatrist.
From 8.30am to 5pm, my focus is on patient care. This includes managing a wide range of conditions such as infectious diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and cardiac problems. I also handle wound care, vaccinations, and skin cancer management.
Preventative health is a big part of what we do. We provide vaccinations, health assessments, breast and bowel cancer screening, prostate checks, and comprehensive men’s and women’s health services. Our patient base includes many elderly individuals with complex, chronic conditions, so continuity of care and proactive health management are key priorities.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Everything! The most important part is helping people to solve their problems and to bring a smile to their face.
I’ve worked in the medical field for over 35 years – 15 years in India and 20 years in Australia. While health care in these countries is similar in many ways, there are differences. For example, Queensland is the second capital of skin cancer in the world, and we see a lot of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and cancer. Infectious diseases are less common here compared to India, but managing long-term conditions is a big focus in Australia.
It’s always been my dream to have a custom-designed and purpose-built practice, and we achieved that when we moved into our new premises in May 2025.
Is there a particular patient story or experience that has stuck with you?
The staff had gone, and I was about to lock the door when a mother and daughter arrived, asking if I could see them. The mother, who was over 60, had been experiencing vaginal bleeding on and off for a year. She’d seen three different GPs during that time, but no one had suggested an ultrasound.
I arranged a scan immediately, and when she returned three weeks later, the results showed cancer of the uterus that had already spread to the pelvis. We sent her straight to hospital for urgent treatment. It was heartbreaking, but because we caught it when we did, she was able to live another three years. Diagnosing cancer early can make such a difference.
Why do you choose to work in a regional, rural or remote area?
What stands out most is the experience of moving from a big city in India, with seven million people, to a smaller regional city like Townsville. Life here is very different: easier commutes, less traffic, and a stronger sense of community. It’s big enough to offer opportunities, like a university for my daughter, but small enough to feel connected.
Working in a regional setting has been incredibly rewarding. You get a broader scope of practice and a deeper understanding of rural health challenges. Facilities can be limited, and patients often face long waiting periods for specialists.
That’s where GPs play a vital role – managing care and supporting patients while they wait. For example, we have an endocrinologist who visits once a month, so patients can be seen within a month at our practice instead of waiting much longer elsewhere. Being able to bridge that gap and make healthcare more accessible is something I’m proud of.
What do you like to do outside of work when you are out and about in your community?
Outside of work, I love being involved in the community and supporting education. My daughter is studying psychiatry, which makes me proud – we’re a family committed to health and helping others.
When I first arrived in Australia, I couldn’t speak the language well – it took me two years to pass the English exam. In 2012, I opened my first practice with one simple goal: To help people. That intention still drives everything I do.
Building this new practice was a dream. I wasn’t sure if I could run the business, but my wife encouraged me. She insisted we buy land and build the clinic, and after three years of council approvals, here we are – a fully bulk-billed, purpose-built clinic that stands as her dream and legacy.
In loving memory of Dr Sunita Pawar
Dr Sunita Pawar, a Fellow of RACGP, worked closely with Townsville Hopsital and Health Service and James Cook University, mentoring medical students and practising as a GP here. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to education touched countless lives. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away. However, her vision lives on in every patient we care for and every student we guide.
This clinic is more than bricks and mortar – it is a tribute to her strength, her love for community, and her unwavering belief in helping others.
I often say, “She was the engine, and I was the driver.”
Today, her spirit continues to power everything we do.
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