After 35 years in general practice, I have decided to adopt a more sedate pace of life and will retire from Cashmere Medical Practice at the end of March 2023.
After qualifying in 1984 I worked as a hospital doctor for 3 years, then for 15 months as the first night shift doctor at the After Hours Surgery in Bealey Ave. Following this I worked for 2 years as a locum doing fill-in work for other ChCh doctors. Then, with a leap of faith, I purchased the building on the corner of Ashgrove Tce and Barrington St and commenced solo general practice. I walked the streets doing promotional mail drops until I developed tendonitis in my knee; anyone remember the old newsletter?
On the day I opened 22nd July 1991 I saw 3 patients, and I still remember their names. I think they felt sorry for the poor new doctor who had no patients. Now there are never enough hours in the day and I am at full capacity unable to enrol new patients. Now, rather than tendonitis, it is arthritis and other ailments of aging starting to rear their head. Time to slow down a bit I think!
I will be leaving the practice in the capable hands of my partners Drs Sandra Fountain and Isla Gilmore, and a new doctor starting in April, Dr Hai Su Kang. To my patients; it has been a privilege to be part of your lives over all these years, and I'll miss you all very much. However, I won't miss the admin and the constant draw on my time.
I will be continuing my role caring for residents of a private hospital/rest home for another year or two, so that will keep me out of mischief. I'm certainly looking forward to having more time to contemplate some other life pursuits; I don't think I'll get bored. Thank you to my patients, and all the colleagues and staff I have worked with over the years. Your support has been so very much appreciated.
Farewell.
David
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