What makes an award-winning general practice?

What does Goolwa Medical Centre do that contributed to the recognition?
We look after our patients and we look after each other. A large proportion of our staff has been here for many years, which contributes to a really good culture. Our doctors have their own areas of interest, and cover generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. This allows patients to find a doctor they feel comfortable with.

What changes or new approaches have you introduced in recent years?
We’ve expanded our skin cancer clinic and introduced ADHD assessments so people can access these services closer to home. We’re also using tools like Lyrebird AI to reduce paperwork and give doctors more time with their patients. 

How important is offering such a broad range of services locally?
It makes a big difference when people don’t have to travel to Adelaide for every appointment, especially older patients and those who rely on someone else to drive them. Wherever we can, we want people to get the care they need here in Goolwa, or at least on the Fleurieu.

How many junior doctors do you support, and what principles guide your teaching?
We currently have 3.5 registrars and one medical student, supported by five GP supervisors. We’ve been involved in teaching for more than 20 years. We want them to feel part of the team, feel comfortable asking for help and learn what it means to look after the whole person.

How important is giving young doctors a positive experience of rural general practice?
We want them to leave thinking, “I could see myself working and living here”. Two doctors within our current partnership were registrars at our practice. We also have other doctors who have trained at the practice, left, and returned. 

What needs to happen to encourage more doctors to choose rural general practice?
They need good supervision, a manageable workload and time for a life outside work. Their families also need to feel at home, so things like housing, schools and work for their partner matter too.

Why is good local access to general practice so important on the Fleurieu Peninsula?
People need to be able to see a doctor when they’re unwell, without a long drive or a lengthy wait. Having a GP who knows their history also makes a real difference, particularly as people get older or their health becomes more complicated.

What have been the biggest rewards and challenges of practising in a rural community?
The best part is looking after generations of the same family. The hardest part is knowing how many people need us and trying to meet that demand without stretching the team too far.

What does being named RACGP SA General Practice of the Year mean to the team?
We’re really proud of it because everyone here has played a part. There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes and it’s rewarding to have that recognised.

Pictured: Goolwa Medical Centre partners (standing) Dr Mark Miller and Dr Jared Frampton, with (seated) Dr Philip Davidson, Dr Alan Gane and Dr Nicholas Lye.