Since becoming president of Municipal Association of Victoria, and having to still keep up with what my local community needs in the Macedon Ranges I am now only able to work one day a week in General Practice.
I love this job and the people I work with.
The skills required to support my local community and the local government sector to thrive are very similar to those I employ every day I work as a GP, except on a less individual basis.
I strive to empower people to find unique solutions that will improve their health and overall quality of life.
I can guide an individual through their options looking at all the evidence available and how it might be applicable to them. The same thing applies with community.
Open listening, and ensuring questions are framed in a non biased manner.
I have been working at Healthcare on Collins ( formerly Mid town Medical) for over 20 years, and appreciate the support of all my patients and work colleagues who allow me to share my time with my local government work.
I specialise in Women’s health, particularly pregnancy planning and pregnancy care.
With general practice we see everything that walks in the door, not unlike the depth and breadth of what you need to know for local council work.
I am blessed at Healthcare on Collins that others I work with have areas of interest, such as musculoskeletal medicine, which is not my strength, to call upon for advice.
In local government you also draw on the expertise and knowledge of others: staff, consultants, fellow councillors and the community.
CR JENNIFER ANDERSON 