Dr Ian Spencer has been honoured for his 42 years of service to Wellington and Bourke at the 2016 NSW Rural Medical Service Awards.
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Dr Spencer was one of several doctors who received a Distinguished Service Award at the ceremony, but his total years served was higher than all other recipients.
“It was nice to be the longest serving one to get an award.”
Dr Spencer practices at the Swift Street Medical Centre and is a visiting medical officer at the Wellington District Hospital.
Dr Spencer said he feels very fortunate that his career has allowed him to fulfil his dream of becoming a ‘country doctor’.
“To be a doctor to a local community for more than a generation has given me the privilege of following his patients from babies I’ve delivered, to seeing them grow to be parents of babies I’ve delivered” Dr Spencer said.
Dr Spencer said it has been a privilege to see the cycle of life throughout his time in Wellington.
Dr Spencer travelled overseas to England and received specialist training before returning to Australia and finding his way to Wellington.
Dr Spencer is also a dedicated teacher, having taught many registrars and students during his time as a doctor in the area.
He has been a GP Supervisor for Sydney University rural campus medical students and the John Flynn Scholarship, and an instructor for Council of Remote Area Nurses Australia (CRANA) for 10 years.
He was awarded with an Order of Australia Medal in 2004.
The Rural Medical Service Awards recognises GPs who have provided long-standing medical service to the people of rural, regional and remote New South Wales.
Dr Spencer’s award was presented by the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) during their annual Rural GPs Conference dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Coogee Beach, Sydney.
“It is rare for rural doctors to be formally recognised for the outstanding contribution they make to their community and acknowledged for the work they do,” Mr Colbran said.
“This award provides a unique opportunity for the people of Wellington to acknowledge the difference that Dr Spencer makes to the health and well-being of the community.”
“Dr Spencer has made a significant contribution to his rural community by providing high quality continuity of care,” RDN CEO Richard Colbran said.
