Shared Medical Appointments

Shared Medical Appointments

Shared Medical Appointments

Carrara Family Practice

Carrara Family Practice offers Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) on the Gold Coast, an innovative healthcare model where patients with similar health concerns attend a structured group consultation led by an experienced GP.

Shared Medical Appointments combine individual medical care with group education and support, allowing patients to learn more about their health while benefiting from longer consultation time and peer support.

This approach is increasingly used in Australian general practice to improve outcomes for chronic disease management, preventive health, pregnancy care, and lifestyle medicine.

Our shared care programs at Carrara Family Practice focus on obesity management, metabolic health, and antenatal care.

What Is a Shared Medical Appointment?

A Shared Medical Appointment is a small group consultation (typically 6–10 patients) facilitated by a GP and healthcare team.

Each session may include:

  • Personal medical advice from your doctor
  • Education about your condition
  • Practical lifestyle and nutrition strategies
  • Opportunity to ask questions
  • Support from others with similar health goals

Sessions generally run 60–90 minutes, allowing more time for education and discussion compared to standard GP appointments.

All participants sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure privacy and comfort during the session.

Benefits of Shared Medical Appointments

Patients across the Gold Coast choose Shared Medical Appointments because they offer:

  • More time with a GP

  • Better understanding of health conditions

  • Practical strategies for lifestyle change

  • Support and motivation from other participants

  • A structured approach to managing chronic conditions

This model helps many patients feel more informed, supported, and empowered to improve their health.

Our Shared Medical Programs

Obesity & Weight Management Clinic – Gold Coast

Our Obesity Clinic supports patients who want medically guided and sustainable weight management.

The program focuses on:

  • Understanding causes of weight gain

  • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies

  • Medical management of obesity

  • Building sustainable habits for long-term health

Patients benefit from structured guidance and ongoing support throughout their weight loss journey.

Register your interest

Metabolic Health Clinic Gold Coast

Our Metabolic Clinic helps patients manage and prevent conditions such as:

  • Insulin resistance

  • Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes risk

  • High cholesterol

  • Hypertension

  • Metabolic syndrome

The clinic focuses on early intervention, lifestyle medicine, and long-term metabolic health.

Shared Antenatal Care Gold Coast

Our Shared Antenatal Care program allows expectant mothers to receive medical care while connecting with other women at a similar stage of pregnancy.

Sessions include:

  • Antenatal health checks

  • Pregnancy education

  • Nutrition and lifestyle advice

  • Preparation for labour and early parenting

Group antenatal care often helps mothers feel more supported, confident, and prepared for pregnancy and birth.

Book a Shared Medical Appointment

If you are interested in joining one of our Shared Medical Appointment programs on the Gold Coast, speak with our team at Carrara Family Practice.

Your GP can determine whether a shared appointment program is suitable for your health needs.