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I graduated with a MB, BS at the University of Sydney in 1967. I was a resident at Royal North Shore and a registrar at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. I always planned on a regional practice, so I was Medical Superintendent at Dubbo Base Hospital. In 1973, I began a consultant medical practice, the pioneer in western NSW. There were a lot of challenges. The hospital was run by General Practitioners and by 1980, John Gibson and Jo Canalese had arrived, and a 1/3 roster meant a very acceptable medical and social life. As well as the base hospital, I worked at the private hospital and Wellington Hospital. Cardiovascular and diabetes were my main interests.
In 2002, the University of Sydney rural clinical school began, and Dubbo had a marked increase in physicians. I was one of the Adjunct Associate Professors at the school. At this time, I also served as state councillor for the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ).
After 35 years as Visiting Medical Officer (VMO), or later Honorary Medical Officer, we left Dubbo for the Blue Mountains. I worked in Dr John England's practice and was VMO at Blue Mountains Hospital. This half time work for 10 years was a very satisfying way to ease into retirement.
With my wife and 5 children, we found regional professional and community life to be a life with no regrets. We were very involved in life in Dubbo, schooled our children locally, and saw Dubbo grow to be a city of great significance.