MORE ABOUT THE NEW PINNAROO DOCTOR
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Pinnaroo’s new doctor Dr Andre de Villiers is looking forward to the challenge of work in the Mallee when he starts on July 3 2006.
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Dr de Villiers – who initially hails from South Africa – has spent the past four and a half years in the Riverland.
``I like a bit of a change and challenge so I have decided to experience another practice,’’ he said last Thursday.
He brings with him 20 years in general practice, experience in anesthetics and obstetrics and an interest in sports medicine (he would like to complete a sports medicine degree at some stage).
Dr de Villiers said the Pinnaroo area was very similar to Hopefield, South Africa, where he first worked in general practice. Hopefield too was a sheep and wheat area. But the medical system of the two countries could not be more different.
``The medical system is completely different. There is no comparison,’’ he said. ``In South Africa the rural areas are not being well looked after. You do not have support. You are left on your own. They don’t have flying doctors available. The patient in your hands is either going to get better or worse. There is more support in the Australian system, especially for rural areas. And here they actively recruit people to rural areas.’’
Dr de Villiers said the first six months of his time in Australia was difficult in adjusting to the different system. ``The first six months was hard. You have to learn how to work in a team. Australia has a bit more team approach, but also there is up-skilling and continual medical training available,’’ he said.
Dr de Villiers’s teacher wife Anette and sons’ 13-year-old Jean and 16-year-old Jacques study and work in Adelaide. Dr de Villiers said he would be in Pinnaroo for at least a year and when able, would like to play tennis.
``I’m very excited to be here and look forward to being of service to the community,’’ he said.
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Dr Andre de Villiers and Family
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