Doc says goodbye to general practice

IN the late-1970s, a young Dr Liz Moore decided to leave Melbourne to complete her intern years in regional Victoria.

Although she was told she’d waste her time in the country, the general practitioner has lived and worked in Ballarat ever since and is reflecting on her career ahead of her retirement on Friday, 30 December.

“I married my husband the day after we graduated, and the Ballarat Base Hospital was the only hospital that would accept us together,” she said.

“We had two years there, and we did everything. It was such a fabulous initiation, being thrown in the deep end.

“We had very wise consultants, and we learnt so much from them. In my head, I still hear things they used to say.”

After two years at the Base, the young couple were offered their own general practice on Lydiard Street, having been recommended by a surgeon.

They put their names up on the door, and for 30 years they stayed at the family practice, before moving to UFS Medical on Doveton Street in 2010.

Throughout, Dr Moore has been particularly passionate about obstetrics.

“I loved delivering babies, and every time I did it, it was just a miracle, really,” she said.

“Quite a few GPs used to do obstetrics back then, but there weren’t many women who did it, so I was quite busy.

“I still see patients that I delivered, and their children, which is a highlight to me, and one of the mind-blowing parts of being in general practice for such a long time.”

Dr Moore said a small number of young doctors decide to stay in the field of general practice these days, but she said it’s a wonderful career path.

“You really get to know people, and their families, over such a long period of time. You can really make a difference.

“I see four generations of some families. The depth of knowledge you gain is like a huge database,” she said.

With just two weeks left of practice, Dr Moore said she’s “a bit scared” to move on. She still sees patients she was caring for in 1980, and these people, amongst others, she said she’ll deeply miss.

“I’ll be sad. I’ll miss the staff, nurses, and receptionists at UFS because it’s a great team of people. We try and enjoy ourselves, and I’ll miss the laughter that we’ve shared,” she said.

Coming up to 70 years of age, and with 45 years of medical experience, Dr Moore said it’s the right time to turn to the next chapter, partially because her profession is changing.

“There’s a lot of bureaucracy, things are politicised, and I don’t like that detracting from patient care.

“There’s also an explosion of new technologies and medications… and I just wouldn’t like not being at the top of my game,” she said.

“But, of course, I want to spend more time with my five grandkids. I’m looking forward to more time in my massive, eclectic garden, as well as reading, sewing, and doing some volunteer work.

“I will need to find a new me.”