Popular GP Don McLeod hangs up his boots after 44 years working as a doctor in Glenorchy

He was known for his toughness on the footy field and his care and compassion off it. Now popular GP Don McLeod is retiring.

Doctor Don McLeod is retiring after over 40 years at Glenorchy Medical Centre as a GP. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

When fearless North Hobart footballer Dr Don McLeod began working at the Glenorchy Medical Centre he was in enemy territory.

As he retires after 44 years as a GP he is widely respected for his excellence and dedication to the Glenorchy community as a friend and mentor.

Known affectionately as “Doc” he was captain of North Hobart, won five best and fairest medals and represented Tasmania 18 times.

“It was challenging to come to the heart of Glenorchy for a North Hobart player but it’s been a good place to work,” Dr McLeod, 69, says.

“I’ve been very well respected, so it’s never been an issue.”

From a family of pharmacists he was the first to become a doctor and when asked about the biggest change he’s seen he says “the corporate side of it” and patients living longer.

“It doesn’t affect my patients’ care, because I’m allowed to run my own show within the IPN (medical centres) network.

“I think as long as people have their regular doctor within the practice it is fine. I don’t think it’s so good if they’re seeing someone different every time.

“I think statistics will show from when I started to now, that they certainly live longer.”

But while patient longevity is a plus, he’s worried about smoking and obesity.

“Smoking is pretty big here and obesity is probably getting worse rather than better.

“There are lots of programs for giving up smoking, but at the end of the day, the person has to be motivated.”

When he started at Glenorchy, after a year at Triabunna on the East Coast, he used to make 50 or 60 home visits a week.

“I’ve done home visits right up until last few weeks. I have a lot of elderly people who are immobile, and it really means they’re dependent on their families to bring them here.

“Not too many of the younger ones do home visits. It is sad. I think it is part of a family general practice, but times the factor, and the remuneration.

“I’ve loved the patient interaction, looking after a cohort of patients that I see regularly.

“I’ll miss the interaction. I won’t miss the system.”

Dr McLeod says it is a struggle to attract graduates to GP practice.

“They’ve got lots of opportunities. That’s why general practice is seen as, less favourable and part of it is financial.”

He’s pleased that the keeping of patient records is “far more advanced” than when he started and is full of praise for the staff at the Glenorchy centre including receptionists and nurses.

In a statement IPN said Dr McLeod had dedicated his career to “the health of our community”.

“His breadth of medical knowledge and genuine care for his patients has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

“His legacy of care, dedication, and excellence will continue to

inspire us.”