Eumundi Voice - Issue 81, 9 November 2023

Another new doctor for Eumundi

Dr Simon Menelaws has lived through many journeys, both literal and metaphorical. He left his Edinburgh home aged 17 to spend two years volunteering for a small NGO, travelling and working at an orphanage in war-torn Liberia, schools and prisons.

Returning to Scotland he studied English Literature and met a friend who would change the course of his life. “He was doing pre-med and was truly inspirational. I had a very limited view of doctors up until then – I didn't know any! He opened my eyes. I loved English but I wanted to do something useful. Ultimately medicine ticked that box.”

After qualifying and emigrating to Australia with his family in 2012 Dr Menelaws spent two years in Adelaide before relocating to the Sunshine Coast where he spent much of the next decade in clinical psychiatry, with stints working in Aboriginal health.

As a GP Dr Menelaws’ approach to relationships has been shaped by his own experience of bereavement. “I lost my wife two years ago to breast cancer,” he said. “Walking through that with her was a huge journey personally but as a doctor as well. I want to be on an equal footing with empowered patients who feel I'm trying to understand where they are at and what is important. I won’t always get it right but they are on a journey and I want to support them in the best way possible.

“Even someone living with cancer can have a high level of wellbeing if it’s managed well. It’s all about helping them to be the best they can be.”

An interest in public health recently led Dr Menelaws to spend a year working for Services Australia reviewing complex Disability Support Pension applications. Now that he's returned to practice he is studying for a Master of Public Health and Master of Health Management and Leadership.

Away from work Dr Menelaws is “loving the quiet life” in the hinterland with his children and new partner. “I’m doing yoga teacher training.

Yoga is so fantastic for your mental and physical health. Maybe I'll teach one day, but maybe not, it's more for my own personal journey.”

Dr Menelaws is accepting new patients at Ochre Medical Centre Eumundi. Bookings can be made at: ochrehealth.com.au or phone 5442 8882.