Calypso care

By Bridget Brady
THE relationship between doctors and patients is no different in Cranbourne than it is in the Caribbean, according to a new local doctor.
Doctor Tooraj Chamacham, who is originally from Iran, said the expectations of doctors was similar in Cranbourne to some of the countries he worked in at the Caribbean.
“There are definitely differences in terms of diseases, but socially the expectation of doctors is the same.”
Dr Chamacham, 38, worked as a United Nations medical officer in Trinidad and other areas of the Caribbean for four years before he arrived in Australia in 2007.
He has worked at Family One Medical Centre since December, and said a growing community such as Cranbourne was sometimes made for challenging work.
“You come across people from different cultural backgrounds and different beliefs,” he said.
“There are a lot of different types of people with different thoughts in a growing town.”
Dr Chamacham, who speaks six languages, moved to Australia because his wife received a scholarship to study a PHD at university, but said he looked forward to the move because he loved experiencing different cultures.
“I like to learn a lot about different cultures. I really like interacting with people and learning languages.”
Dr Chamacham said the medical system in Australia could be less complicated.
“There can sometimes be a one year wait or more to see some specialists, which can be ridiculous.
“But the people are really friendly in Cranbourne and it is a relaxed environment … I am enjoying my work here.”