Specialist perioperative & geriatric medicine for the Illawarra

Compass Geriatrics is led by Dr Sheila Rahman, MBBS MMed (ClinEpi) FRACP GChPOM (ANZCA), a consultant physician and geriatrician providing specialist inpatient and outpatient care for older adults across the Illawarra.

Dr Rahman has a particular interest in the medical optimisation of older adults undergoing surgery. She works closely with surgical teams to improve perioperative outcomes, reduce complications, and support safe discharge planning. Her practice also extends to comprehensive geriatric care, including frailty management, cognitive assessment, medication review, and rehabilitation.

She holds appointments across Wollongong and Figtree Private Hospitals and is actively engaged in clinical leadership and research. A graduate of the ANZCA Diploma of Perioperative Medicine Program, Dr Rahman contributes as a course assessor and content reviewer. She also serves as a Principal Investigator for the ANZ Hip Fracture Registry and participates in ongoing quality improvement and clinical governance initiatives.

Dr Rahman welcomes referrals from general practitioners for comprehensive geriatric assessment, medication review, cognitive evaluation, and frailty management, as well as referrals for private hospital admissions involving medical care or rehabilitation.

Her approach is collaborative, proactive, and patient-centred — supporting patients and their families while working alongside surgeons, general practitioners, and hospital teams to ensure safe, coordinated, and holistic care.