After 44 years in the medical industry and 27 years in Lockhart Dr Ken Mackey has been recognised for his work with an Australia Day Award.
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“It is a big honour, to be recognised and appreciated in this way has given me some encouragement to go on (working),” Dr Mackey said.
The Lockhart doctor was named Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to rural and remote medicine through leadership roles of professional medical organisations and to general practice.
Dr Mackey started working in Lockhart in 1989 after studying and growing up in Sydney.
Working in medicine was a “long term interest” and he was able to pursue his dream of studying thanks to a scholarship.
Lockhart was a “one doctor town” for years after he started but in the last eight years doctors in training have lightened the workload slightly more him.
This allowed him to get involved with several different health organisations and groups looking at the administration and organisational side of health care.
“Having assistance gave me the chance to diversify and participate in different groups,” Dr Mackey said.
Servicing both his practice on Green Street and the hospital Dr Mackey has treated a wide range of medical issues.
“It’s given me the chance to use all my skills that I have developed over the years,” he said.
While there were limited surgical procedures at the hospital Dr mackey said they were “prepared to take on anything that came through the door.”
Working in a small town has also granted him an insight into people’s lives and the issues in the community.
“You get to understand their situation and lifestyle and decide on the care based on that,” Dr Mackey said.
During his career he has also seen the next generation come through.
“I’ve seen children grow up and have their own children, it’s good to see,” he said.
However, age is no factor for with no plans of retirement for the 65-year-old.
Services Dr Mackey has been involved in:
- General Practitioner, Lockhart Medical Practice, since 1989.
- Council Member, General Practice, NSW Health, since 2007 and Member, GP Sub-Committee, since 1995.
- Chair, General Practice NSW, (now Networking Health NSW), 2009-2010 and Director, 1999-2012.
- Director, Murrumbidgee Medicare Local, since 2011 and Chairman, Clinical Governance Committee, since 2008 and Inaugural Board Member, (formerly Riverina Division of General Practice and Primary Care), 14 years.
- Rural Doctors' Association (RDA):
- National President, 2001-2003.
- Executive Member, 'for many years'.
- President, NSW Branch, 1998-2011.
- Committee Member, 1999-2005.
- Member, Rural Doctors' Network, 1996-2001.
- RDA Representative, National Local Medical Officer Advisory Committee, Department of Veterans' Affairs, since 2000.
- Board Member, Rural and Remote Medical Services, since 2004.
- Fellow, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and Examiner; Member, Pre-Employment Structure Clinical Interview (PESCI) for Rural and Remote Medicine, since 2014.
- Supervisor Liaison Officer, CoastCityCountry General Practice Training, since 2004.
- Trainee Supervisor, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, since 1989.
- Member, ACCC Health Services Advisory Committee, 2002-2007.
- Chair, Rural Chapter, Alliance NSW Division, 1999-2007.
- Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Related:
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.
