It may have been ‘divine intervention’ or just plain good luck.
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Whatever it was, Merriwa will soon have a permanent resident doctor and that is certainly cause for celebration.
Dr Emad Jasem moved to Australia from Surry, England in February leaving his family of five children and wife Bushra behind while he searched for a country practice and new family home.
“I took several locum appointments at Crescent Head, West Wylong and Newcastle which was a good way to see some of the country and get a feel for the Australian health system.
“The Merriwa surgery was listed on the Rural Doctors Network website for a full time general practitioner (GP) to work or take over the practice and sounded ideal.
“I’m not a city person which is why a small town like Merriwa really appealed to me and I am looking forward to bringing my family out here in the New Year.”
Originally a paediatrician, Dr Jasem said he had spent the past six years specialising in emergency medicine which he hoped to put to good use at the Merriwa Multipurpose Centre.
“In a small town you have the opportunity to practise ‘proper’ medicine, the full range from paediatrics, gynaecology to diabetic care and everything in between.
“You see everything, you deal with everything and at the same time you learn a lot.
“There is a need and demand for you to continue to improve your knowledge and experience as the community is depending on you.
“As a country GP sometimes life is not yours, it’s for the people, for your patients and I am very ready for that,” he said.
Elen Salama, wife of the late Dr Ramses Salama who lost his battle with cancer in March this year said Dr Jasem’s appointment had been a ‘god send.’
“It was extremely difficult, trying to keep the surgery going while Dr Salama was ill and after he passed away,” she said.
“I couldn’t have done it without the five locums that have helped so much and I truly thank them.
“Dr Salama will be able to rest easy now someone is looking after his patients,” Mrs Salama said.
Dr Jasem takes over the Merriwa Surgery on Monday, from Mondays to Fridays and is also planning to open on Saturdays in the near future.