A new chapter for Karuna-maya Medicine

FOR Dr Millie Glen, taking over Karuna-maya Medicine wasn’t a leap into the unknown — it was the natural next step.

 

After five years as a GP at the well-regarded Jan Juc clinic, she knew there was nowhere else she’d rather be.

“It seemed a natural progression as I didn’t want to work anywhere else,” Dr Millie said.

“The team at KMM has always been very supportive, with a wonderful patient cohort. It’s a great place to work, and I think that’s largely thanks to the culture created by the previous owner, Dr Darren Fahroedin.”

Dr Millie stepped into the ownership role in 2023 when her predecessor, after two decades at the helm, decided it was time to take a step back.

While running a practice comes with new responsibilities, she takes it in her stride.

“The transition from worker to owner has been relatively smooth,” the local mum of three said.

“The challenges are mostly around juggling work and family — just the same as most working parents.”

Millie’s journey to becoming a GP wasn’t a straight line. She initially worked in health promotion and public health, where she saw firsthand the profound impact that good primary care can have.

“Within this role, I witnessed the positive impact GPs can have on individuals and communities, which inspired me to return to further studies,” Dr Millie explains.

It’s a decision she’s never regretted.

“It feels like a privilege to work with my patients to optimise their health and wellbeing at different times in their lives. It’s certainly a journey we take together,” she said.

“The variety, and the fact that we never stop learning, is another great part of being a GP.”

Since taking over, Dr Millie has focused on expanding services and improving access for the growing Jan Juc and Surf Coast community.

“We are excited about recent growth and increased services we have on offer. Having more availability with timely appointments is a current priority,” she said.

One such addition is the new Children’s Priority Clinic, which offers dedicated morning appointments for sick kids on school days, recognising the increasing number of young families in the area. To help busy locals, the clinic has also introduced later appointment times, making it easier for patients to see a doctor outside of standard business hours.

Looking ahead, Dr Millie’s vision for Karuna-maya is simple but deeply important: “To continue to offer quality, compassionate medical care to our community.”

With a strong team, including returning GP Dr Rob Jamieson and new female registrar Dr Tej Chollangi — in addition to a dedicated and experienced nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy and podiatry offering — she is excited about the clinic’s future.

Her leadership maintains the warmth and patient-first ethos that Karuna-maya Medicine has always been known for, ensuring it remains a trusted part of the Jan Juc community for years to come.

For more information, head to karunamedicine.com
Dr Millie Glen