Lithgow Paediatric Outreach Clinic

History and clinicians

The clinic was established in 2010. Its first paediatrician, Dr Yoon Mei Ho, introduced Dr Arman Babajanyan to the service in 2012. He has provided outreach continuously since January 2013, with the service delivered through KidMed Pty Ltd since 2020.

Dr Babajanyan and KidMed have helped recruit and support additional clinicians. Current clinicians include paediatricians Dr Arman Babajanyan and Dr Joseph Elkadi, and Dr Kieran Webb-Sawyer, a GP and rural generalist with advanced paediatric skills. Dr Sumanth Nagabushan and developmental paediatrician Dr Suky Yim each contributed to the outreach service over several years.

Clinical care beyond the consultation

The clinic’s work includes general paediatrics, developmental and behavioural concerns, and ongoing care for children with chronic and complex conditions. Care also involves case conferences, GP liaison, school and therapist communication, and reports. Much of this work between appointments is not captured in the service totals above.

KidMed has also facilitated access to paediatric cardiology and respiratory care for Aboriginal children through the Care Coordination and Supplementary Services (CCSS) program.

Training, students and university teaching

By March 2026, the clinic had hosted 26 advanced paediatric trainees on supervised six-month Specialist Training Program placements as part of their Royal Australasian College of Physicians training. These placements provide experience in community paediatrics, Aboriginal child health and continuity of care. Three former trainees went on to work regionally; two remained in regional practice at the time of the report. RDN documented the clinic’s training contribution in 2019.

The service has also supported local GP training: Dr Kieran Webb-Sawyer completed 12 months of accredited special-skills training in paediatrics through KidMed.

The clinic is now based in consulting rooms at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Lithgow Clinical School, on the Lithgow Hospital campus. Medical students attend the clinic and participate in clinical teaching alongside advanced paediatric trainees. Dr Babajanyan is an Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer in the University’s School of Medicine.

Local collaboration

Over its history, the outreach service has worked with Bowenfels Medical Centre, Lithgow Valley Medical Centre and Eskbank Medical Centre. Its continuity has relied on longstanding support from Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains PHN, and Rural Doctors Network, together with KidMed’s clinical and administrative contribution.

The service has also contributed to GP education through local workshops and shared its experience at the Lithgow Community Showcase in June 2024.