DOCTOR Paul Burford, one of Medowie’s most loved community-based General Practitioners (GP), has set up his new medical practice at Technology Place, Williamtown in the airport’snew precinct.

The surgery, which opened in April this year, is located alongside the Mercure Hotel and other airline industry businesses.

His books are open, taking new patients with Practice Manager, Ms Karen Boyd telling Medowie News Of The Area, “We offer a family friendly service.”

Dr Burford, who started his medical career in the RAAF in 1999, understands the difficulties Defence members, their spouses, and their children experience when moving to a new posting location and welcomes all Defence members’ families to contact him for their medical needs.

With a Masters in Aerospace Medicine, Dr Burford understands the local community needs well, including those of pilots and other aircrew.

Dr Burford told Medowie News Of The Area, “One of the things I like about General Practice is just that, it is general.”

“We also see a lot of different things in the variety of patients.”

When asked what the advantage is for medical students to pursue a career as a GP rather than a specialist, Dr Burford replied, “As GPs we have a big advantage as we see patients as a whole person, rather than a specialist who sees patient case by case.”

“It’s rewarding to see kids grow up, you get a lot of satisfaction knowing you get to know people, their families, and the community.”

The practice currently has a GP, Registered Nurse, and a Physiotherapist, with an extra GP due to start very soon.

Dr Burford has a commitment to ensuring sick kids get well quickly, saying, “Sick kids should be seen on the day and as much as possible, if parents call the practice we will see their sick child the same day.”

There are plans currently in place to expand the Williamtown based practice, with a purpose built facility due to open in 12 months’ time.

In addition to Melissa Druvins, the physiotherapist who has 7 years’ experience in the field, already part of Central Health Alliance a number of other allied health professional will be added.

In addition to a café and pharmacy planned, there will also be a psychologist, podiatrist, dietician, more GPs, and a range of visiting specialists.

It will become as Ms Boyd says, “A one stop shop for all your health needs.”

Giving back to the community important for Dr Burford is also very important and Central Health Alliance is a major sponsor of Medowie Football Club, professional boxer Michael Upton, Medowie’s Tae Kwon Do Club, and NSW hockey player Aaron Gurr.

 

 

By Heather SHARP