‘I hadn’t worked in emergency for 40 years’: GP leaves his practice to work as a locum 3000km from home

Long-time Geelong GP Dr Frank Scheelings said there were confronting moments.
Dr Frank Scheelings.

Ready to retire from solo practice in Geelong, but not wanting to hang up his stethoscope, Dr Frank Scheelings headed 3000km north to work as a locum in remote Indigenous towns.

The 71-year-old wanted to learn more about something of which he only knew a little.

“At the time, the Voice referendum was coming up, and I felt it was important to understand a bit of real Aboriginal community and culture so I could have a better opinion as to what it is all about,” Dr Scheelings said.

“So I thought doing a remote locum would give me that opportunity and make me feel like I am doing my bit … that maybe I can make some sort of difference.”