At a time when there is a critical shortage of doctors in rural areas, one man's commitment to medicine stands out as exemplary. Dr William Stewart has played a pivotal role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people of Lang Lang and beyond. His efforts have now recognised by the Australian Government. LIZ BELL reports.
WITHOUT much exaggeration, it's quite possible that Lang Lang doctor William Stewart has treated every resident in the town at some stage in his 41-year tenure.
So it's no surprise the community is collectively sad that the dedicated Scottish-born GP will be hanging up his stethoscope for good on February4.
Just after he bows out, Dr Stewart, 81, will head to Government House to receive one of the biggest endorsements of his career, a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the medicine as a general practitioner and to the community of Lang Lang.
The OAM recognises the immense contribution the softly spoken doctor has made to his local area.
With his broad medical expertise, gentle ways and impeccable bedside manner, Dr Stewart, is the epitome of the "country doctor".
He's a well respected member of the Lang Lang community, a small outpost with about 1000residents, and has played a vital role in promoting the health and wellbeing of those who live in and around the township.
Dr Stewart, his late wife Inez and their three young children relocated to Lang Lang from Britain in 1966, after stints all over the world - including Glasgow, where he trained, Ghana, Egypt, the Orkney Islands and Buckingham, near London.
Extensive postgraduate training allowed Dr Stewart to specialise in many areas, making him a highly sought-after medic with expertise in pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology.
Since moving to Lang Lang, he has also served with the Koo Wee Rup Hospital, the Westernport Nursing Home and Killara Hostel.
In his early years at Lang Lang, Dr Stewart worked up to seven days a week, often well in excess of 60-70hours.
While the exact number escapes him, Dr Stewart concedes he must have delivered "tens of dozens" of the township's babies, often following the child's health care through to adulthood.
He has also witnessed first-hand the advancements that have changed the face of medical care in Australia.
But there is no doubt in his mind what has been the driving force of his commitment to rural medicine.
"Oh, it's the people without a doubt. It's been an absolute pleasure to be in this position, to be able to help the township and meet the people who live here. They are the salt of the earth." he says.
After just a few days in Lang Lang Dr Stewart knew he had made the right move for his family.
"Everyone made us feel part of the community right from the start. Shortly after we arrived, I received a call from a young man who said his grandfather had something to say to me.
"He then passed the telephone to his grandfather, who was born in Scotland, who proceeded to play the bagpipes down the telephone to remind me of home. It was very touching."
Dr Stewart's enormous contribution to the community has also seen acknowledged in a number of accolades: Lang Lang Citizen of the Year, 2006, Lang Lang Australia Day Award, and Flinders Community Award and Community Achievement Award 2005 among others. In 2006 he was a recipient of the Victorian Rural Doctor's Awards.
Dr Stewart, whose wife Enez passed away about 18 months ago, plans to travel to Scotland in May to visit relatives.
His replacement, Dr Bill Howson, will remain based in Wonthaggi.
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