After enduring years of closed books and extended wait times, patients in Dubbo can now breathe a sigh of relief. The Macquarie Health Collective has announced the arrival of two new GP registrars, Dr. Shyam Sivarasa and Dr. Fergus Duncan, enabling the practice to reopen its doors to new patients. This development comes at a crucial time when access to general practice across the region has been increasingly stretched.
Dr. Sivarasa and Dr. Duncan’s addition to the clinic marks a significant step in improving healthcare accessibility in Dubbo. The move is particularly timely, given the increasing demand for medical services in regional areas.
A Community-Focused Approach
Dr. Shyam Sivarasa began his medical career in Western Sydney, completing his internship and residency at Nepean Hospital in Penrith. His journey into rural general practice was influenced by his wife’s career and a shared appreciation for community-focused healthcare.
“Probably the sense of community,” he said of what drew him to rural general practice. “Compared to the city, people have more time for you. There’s also a better work-life balance, which definitely plays a huge role.”
Having grown up in Western Sydney, Dr. Sivarasa finds Dubbo to be a refreshing change of pace. “You can live five minutes from work, there’s everything you need here – university, airport, all the services. It’s convenient,” he noted.
Dr. Fergus Duncan, originally from Walgett, shares a similar appreciation for regional life. After initially qualifying as a physiotherapist at Griffith University, he returned to study medicine at the University of Wollongong. His career path reflects a deep commitment to contributing to regional healthcare.
“I just thought I could add more as a GP,” he said. “I was still young at the time and thought I’d have a go. If it worked out, great. If not, I could always go back to physio.”
Broader Skills, Greater Access
Both doctors emphasize the broader scope of practice available in rural settings compared to metropolitan areas. Dr. Sivarasa is keen to incorporate emergency training into his career, leveraging the diverse opportunities in regional medicine.
“In a rural setting, there’s a greater scope in terms of what you can do,” Dr. Sivarasa explained.
Dr. Duncan’s background in physiotherapy complements his general practice work, providing a holistic approach to patient care.
“A lot of patients who come in really need to see a physio, so it’s great to have that background knowledge in the GP setting,” he said.
Currently, Dr. Duncan offers comprehensive care, working full-time Monday to Friday, with extended hours on Thursdays. This increased availability is a significant relief for patients, as wait times in some regional towns can stretch to six weeks or more.
“If you can help out in any way you can, that’s what it’s all about,” Dr. Duncan remarked.
Continuity and Connection
For Dr. Sivarasa, the continuity of care in general practice is a major difference from hospital medicine. In a hospital, multiple teams are involved in patient care, whereas in general practice, the doctor guides the patient’s journey.
“In the hospital, there are always multiple teams involved. In general practice, you’re guiding the patient’s journey,” Dr. Sivarasa said.
This personal connection with patients and the healthcare team is something both doctors value deeply, as it enhances the quality of care and patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of Dr. Sivarasa and Dr. Duncan at Macquarie Health Collective is a positive development for Dubbo and its surrounding communities. By increasing access to healthcare and offering a wider range of services, these new additions are expected to make a significant impact on the region’s healthcare landscape.
As the demand for medical services continues to rise in regional areas, the contributions of dedicated practitioners like Dr. Sivarasa and Dr. Duncan will be crucial in ensuring that communities have the healthcare access they need.
