The NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) has recognised two Ballina GPs. Dr Ian Falson and Dr Chris McKenzie both received The Rural Medical Service Award for their long-standing medical service to the Ballina community.
The awards were presented by the NSW RDN during its annual Rural GPs Conference dinner that was held on Saturday 1 December 2018 in Sydney. Both doctors were in attendance to receive their awards.
Dr Falson is a proceduralist GP who has a special interest in primary care skin cancer medicine. He has achieved 38 years of medical service to the communities of Port Macquarie and Ballina. Dr Falson has been working at his Ballina practice since 1995. He is also a founding member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.
Dr McKenzie has been practising at The Family Medical Centre located in Ballina for 35 years. Dr McKenzie enjoys all aspects of General Practice, but has a particular interest in continuity of care for his patients. He is the Honorary Medical Officer at the Ballina Rugby Club and enjoys sports medicine. He has been actively involved in community events over the years, where medical input was required.
RDN CEO Richard Colbran says Dr Falson and Dr McKenzie have “each made a significant contribution to their rural community by providing high quality continuity of care.”
‘It is rare for rural doctors to be formally recognised for the outstanding contribution they make to their community and acknowledged for the work they do,’ said Mr Colbran. ‘This award provides a unique opportunity for the people of Ballina to acknowledge the difference that Dr Falson and Dr McKenzie make to the health and wellbeing of the community.’
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
