IN the late-1970s, a young Dr Liz Moore decided to leave Melbourne to complete her intern years in regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
Although she was told she\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI married my husband the day after we graduated, and the Ballarat Base Hospital was the only hospital that would accept us together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had two years there, and we did everything. It was such a fabulous initiation, being thrown in the deep end.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had very wise consultants, and we learnt so much from them. In my head, I still hear things they used to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
After two years at the Base, the young couple were offered their own general practice on Lydiard Street, having been recommended by a surgeon.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Throughout, Dr Moore has been particularly passionate about obstetrics.<\/p>\n
\u201cI loved delivering babies, and every time I did it, it was just a miracle, really,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite a few GPs used to do obstetrics back then, but there weren\u2019t many women who did it, so I was quite busy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Moore said a small number of young doctors decide to stay in the field of general practice these days, but she said it\u2019s a wonderful career path.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou really get to know people, and their families, over such a long period of time. You can really make a difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see four generations of some families. The depth of knowledge you gain is like a huge database,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
With just two weeks left of practice, Dr Moore said she\u2019s \u201ca bit scared\u201d to move on. She still sees patients she was caring for in 1980, and these people, amongst others, she said she\u2019ll deeply miss.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be sad. I\u2019ll miss the staff, nurses, and receptionists at UFS because it\u2019s a great team of people. We try and enjoy ourselves, and I\u2019ll miss the laughter that we\u2019ve shared,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Coming up to 70 years of age, and with 45 years of medical experience, Dr Moore said it\u2019s the right time to turn to the next chapter, partially because her profession is changing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of bureaucracy, things are politicised, and I don\u2019t like that detracting from patient care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s also an explosion of new technologies and medications… and I just wouldn\u2019t like not being at the top of my game,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, of course, I want to spend more time with my five grandkids. I\u2019m looking forward to more time in my massive, eclectic garden, as well as reading, sewing, and doing some volunteer work.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will need to find a new me.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019d 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 […]<\/p>\n