Doctor a boost to services
HAVING fallen in love with Cooktown as a trainee, Dr Ebonney van der Meer is now the Far North community’s newest GP.
The young doctor has moved to Cooktown as a registrar with James Cook University’s (JCU) specialist training program, Generalist Medical Training (GMT).
It comes after she was “inspired” during her two stints in the town as a student.
“I spent time with Dr (Melania) Scrace in the communities of Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal and was moved by the stories of a rich and difficult history of these places and their people – and the vast difference in the kind of medicine that benefits them,” Dr van der Meer said.
She made the move north after completing her Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in mental health in Townsville.
Dr van der Meer said she hoped to use her advanced skill in mental health to “build on and expand” the delivery of services in the region longterm.
“Once I get to Cooktown and as I continue to go through my GP training I will be in a better position to know who to talk to about community need,” she said.
“Advocacy and building services is a big part of how I see my role eventually but it’s not something to rush into, ultimately the community will determine what they need and how the service should work.
“Professionally, I’m attracted to the broad scope of practice and the opportunities to learn from and work together with my patients and colleagues to improve individual and community outcomes according to need.”
Dr van der Meer has moved to Cooktown with her husband Martin and daughter Lorreli. CELEBRATE WITH 2 HOURS OF SHARE PLATES FROM THE SMOKER WHEN YOU FROM $55 P/P OR INDULGE IN A FEAST OF YOUR CHOICE WHEN YOU 2 COURSE 3 COURSE BUFFET $49 P/P $59 P/P $59 P/P