Dr Leith Geisel retires after decades serving in the regional healthcare system

A beloved rural doctor who has spend the past decade in the Southern Downs has retired after a selfless career in rural health spanning decades. Here’s why she loved her job every day.

Dr Leith Geisel with husband Mike (Photo: supplied)

After more than a decade, a selfless and beloved rural doctor has announced she is moving onto a new chapter.

Dr Leith Geisel alternated between Allora and Killarney, after hearing those areas were calling out for a doctor in 2010.

She had initially moved to Warwick as a GP, and worked in the Rose City for 20 years after a stint in Mount Isa, with her career always being focused on rural communities.

“I knew it was about time to make the hard decision, despite all the challenges with rural medicine,” Dr Geisel said.

“Unfortunately, the circumstances are a bit difficult right now but in rural medicine we always seem to manage somehow.”

Locals don’t have to worry about the doctor leaving for the big smoke, as Dr Geisel said she will be staying in the area because she loved the lifestyle.

“I think the thing I’ll miss the most is the contact with patients, they become a part of your life, and you always want things to be well for them. I’ll really miss that contact and relationship with the patients,” she said.

Dr Leith Geisel with husband Mike (Photo: supplied)

“These tinier towns outside of Warwick didn’t have doctors, and one day a week quickly spiralled to three or five days a week when we were available. We’re able to provide the services.

Last year, Dr Geisel donated her practice to Killarney Memorial so the community would have control over the destiny of their health care.

The Allora practice is in safe hand too, after being transferred under the watch of Dr Claire Schmidt.

Dr Geisel said working in rural health wasn’t always easy, but it was particularly difficult at the moment.

“Doctors aren’t just going into general practice, especially not into the regions, and people are having to travel or wait a long time to see a doctor. Getting doctors in is very, very difficult,” she said.

“Killarney is working very hard to attract doctors and provide accommodation and things like that, but it’s not that far away, although it is classed as remote.”

Killarney doesn’t have a hospital, meaning the doctors stationed there can often work as first responders or a de-facto emergency department.

“We’re half an hour away, so we have to be available for acute and emergency care out in Killarney, and we know people will turn up on our doorstep whether their our patient or not, with their injuries needing suturing or heart pain,” she said.

“Rural medicine is also providing a bit of accident and emergency (care) as well as general practice, it can be very challenging but it’s extremely rewarding.”

Dr Geisel said the best part about her job was relationships with families and patients, as the slower, relaxed pace can bring back memories of traditional GP service.

“You establish these relationships where you can treat the grandma, mother and kids, which is a bit like old fashioned general practice in a rural area, there’s limited doctors and you need to establish those bonds with families and care for them,” Dr Geisel said.

“For us the rural lifestyle has been great, and my favourite memory is just how comfortable I felt doing my job.

“It’s so rewarding and have always enjoyed the work, it’s just a really nice way to spend your day, but in general practice there’s always something unexpected. You never know what will come through the door.”

Friends and former patients took to social media to express their well-wishes for the good doctor in her retirement.

“Thank you for all you have done for me over the years and I hope you have a wonderful retirement,” one wrote on Facebook.

“Enjoy your well deserved retirement Leith. Thank you for your dedication to the Killarney community also,” another commented.

“Leith is one of the best. Congratulations on your rewarding career and best of luck for your future.”

“You will be very missed. The love for your patients and the community is something hard to come by. It’s never been about money but the access and availability to health care to those in need. Well deserved retirement.”

Originally published as Dr Leith Geisel retires after decades serving in the regional healthcare system