Recently retired Wanaka general practitioner (GP) Susie Meyer has been recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) for her services to the community.

Susie received an award this past weekend during an annual award ceremony for the RNZCGP, which is the professional body and postgraduate educational institute for general practitioners.

Susie was recognised for a general practice career marked by service to the community. As a doctor and teacher in general practice she taught undergraduate and post-graduate trainees in the rural setting of Wanaka and the regions of Otago and Southland.

She was instrumental in organising a sustainable after-hours service for Wanaka, and played a crucial role in the development of the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre, a flagship model for the WellSouth Primary Health Organisation (PHO).

“I get a lot of attention but without my support staff it wouldn’t happen,” Susie said. “Receptionists, nurses, health care assistants, cleaners: they don’t usually get prizes. I’d like to share it with them.”

Susie has sat on a number of advisory committees, including the national advisory committee for the RNZCGP. She was also a member of the Central Lakes Health Network, which advised the Southern District Health Board on service delivery in this region.

Susie, who established the Aspiring Medical Centre in 1995, retired from clinical work in March this year.

PHOTO: Wanaka App