The Great Southern Specialist Centre announces new Ophthalmologist on board Ophthalmologist Dr Mike Brown joins GSSC
Ophthalmologist Dr Mike Brown will officially join the Great Southern Specialist team next week with a view to making Albany his permanent home. Mike brings a wealth of surgical training and experience to the GSSC, working in comprehensive general Ophthalmology with sub-specialist interests in medical retina, including intravitreal injections for AMD and diabetes, cataract surgery and pterygium surgery. The New South Welshman studied medicine in NSW but moved to Perth after graduating in 2009 with his wife Naomi, undertaking an internship at Royal Perth Hospital before moving into resident positions at RPH, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, PMH and Fremantle hospitals. Growing up in country NSW, Mike has always had an affinity for regional areas and an instinctive drive to help isolated communities. He said he has always been dedicated to rural Australia — his medical terms, training terms and fellowship have all been orientated towards rural and regional communities and he was looking forward to returning to a country lifestyle where there was a great sense of community and more relaxed pace. Mike commenced ophthalmic surgical training in 2014 in Perth and in 2018 undertook fellowship as the Fred Hollows Foundation Fellow at Lions Outback Vision. During that time he was involved in the delivery of specialist ophthalmic care to rural and remote communities throughout WA, including the Goldfields, Mid-West, Pilbara and Kimberley. Mike additionally undertook post fellowship training through Invercargill Hospital in New Zealand, advancing his skills in oculoplastics, medical retina and cataract surgery. He has worked since 2019 in the South West as a locum consultant through Bunbury and Busselton eye Doctors. Ongoing training of medical students has been a priority of his throughout the years and he was the RANZCO (WA) registrar representative for 2017, and remains active in registrar teaching today. Albany not only offers working opportunities to Mike, it provides him with the opportunity to re-embrace his country roots. He said the region reminded him of where he grew up and he and his wife made the decision to move to Albany part time this year, with a view to relocate permanently in the near future. Mike said Albany was similar to his home town in climate, population and also feel with granite mountains and predominately agricultural landscapes plus he loved “the great beaches, amazing seascape, hiking and camping”. He will be working in the Great Southern Specialist Centre initially every few weeks, hopefully increasing to near full time by the end of 2020. Referrals can be sent to the team at the Great Southern Specialist Centre. For more information, visit Dr Brown's profile page at www.gsspecialistcentre.com/our-specialists/michael-brown/ or contact our friendly administration team on 08 9841 3500. |