Introducing Dr Chris Bentley, Dr Geoff Arthurson and Dr Beth Allin (pictured above L-R) – three new faces to Healthy North Coast’s Education team. These passionate professionals bring diverse perspectives and expertise, and we’re thrilled to have them on board!
We sat down with each of them to learn more about their work, the future of primary health care and what’s coming up in 2025 that healthcare professionals in our region shouldn’t miss.
Plus, we are excited to release our January-June 2025 Education Events Calendar.
Dr Geoff Arthurson – GP, Port Macquarie
Healthy North Coast Medical Educator | Region Supported: Mid North Coast
Geoff grew up in regional NSW and studied medicine at UNSW. On completing his hospital training in Port Macquarie, Geoff moved back to Sydney to train as a pathologist. Missing the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieve their health and wellbeing goals, he switched specialties and started training to be a general practitioner.
What areas of health are you most interested in?
I am passionate about improving patients’ quality of life, especially in areas beyond just disease and illness. I focus on social issues like isolation and loneliness that impact patient health and wellbeing. I enjoy the breadth of general practice medicine and have special interests and additional experience in psychological medicine, addiction medicine and medical education.
What are some of the emerging health challenges our health professionals may be faced with in 2025?
One of the challenges faced by many GPs is in addressing non-classic health issues (conditions that you can’t read about in a textbook) such as social isolation, loneliness and feeling disconnected from community.
What are some HNC education opportunities not to miss in 2025?
Healthy North Coast is hosting a series of Clinical Societies on social prescribing in the coming months, focusing on enhancing patients’ quality of life, connection, and being part of a great community. These sessions will be invaluable in helping patients thrive beyond just managing illness and disease.
Fun or fascinating fact about yourself?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy bike riding and running, playing tuba, and eating.
Dr Beth Allin – GP, Grafton
Healthy North Coast Medical Educator and Medical Workforce Advisor | Region Supported: North Coast
I’m a GP based in Grafton, NSW. On graduating from medical school in England in 2011, I moved to Australia in 2012 during the London Olympics. After completing my GP training on the North Coast, I have been working in Grafton for eight years. I like to think my experience and approachable style make me a valuable addition to Healthy North Coast! I love the wonderful region where I live and work (and the mostly sunny climate!).
What areas of health are you most interested in supporting?
I have a keen interest in paediatrics and women’s health, which are areas I’m passionate about supporting through education. I’m proud to have contributed to the ADHD Co-Management Working Group and have also played a key role in implementing Implanon training for GP registrars. Looking ahead, I hope to expand this training to include Mirena insertion, aiming to improve access to long-acting reversible contraceptives across the North Coast.
What are some HNC education opportunities not to miss in 2025?
I strongly recommend attending the 2025 Managing Chronic Disease for a Healthier North Coast Conference, scheduled for 31 May. Another not-to-be-missed event is the continuation of our conversation on voluntary assisted dying through both online and face to face events later in the year.
Fun or fascinating fact about yourself:
I have an undeniable love for cheese and chocolate, plus playing hockey and running, making me the perfect person to chat with about both health and indulgence!
What are some emerging health challenges our health professionals may be faced with in 2025?
I’m concerned about the impact of the digital space and the rise of artificial intelligence in health care. I believe healthcare professionals must adapt and stay ahead of technology to deliver the best care. We’ll be running a webinar on AI in the healthcare system, which will be held on 18 June 2025 to explore this important topic further.
Dr Chris Bentley – GP, Northern Rivers
Healthy North Coast Medical Educator | Region Supported: Far North Coast
I’m a GP in the Northern Rivers with a passion for improving health outcomes for all Australians, especially in under-serviced communities. My interests span from microbiology and Indigenous culture to holistic, patient-centered care. I love that I can swim at the beach and go to work in a piece of paradise!
What areas of health are you most interested in supporting?
I’m highly motivated to improve patient care, having been inspired by the dedication and hard work of health professionals in our region. I am particularly focused in microbiology, Aboriginal health and culture, and ensuring that every patient receives the care they need. Growing up in Dubbo and having worked in remote Aboriginal communities for nearly 20 years, I have seen firsthand the palpable health discrepancies and am passionate about cultivating gold-standard health care for all Australians.
What are some emerging health challenges our health professionals may be faced with in 2025?
Rheumatic heart disease is a significant health challenge within our region, but there is a great team working to ensure that it remains preventable. There are also growing pressures of working in health care, so there is need for a collaborative approach across sectors to address the increasing workload and staffing crisis. I believe supporting each other in health care will be essential to overcoming challenges like burnout and alleviating the pressure on the system as a whole.
What are some HNC education opportunities not to miss in 2025?
I’m particularly looking forward to events that foster collaboration and collegiately across specialties. It’s great to embrace multidisciplinary education opportunities that unite healthcare professionals, helping to break down silos and foster support. Healthy North Coast events are good opportunities to share knowledge, learn from each other and have fun doing it!
Fun or fascinating fact about yourself:
I’ve had a diverse range of careers beyond medicine. Before becoming a doctor, I was an assistant microbiologist, telescope assistant looking at the stars and planets, an ambulance auxiliary officer with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and a Pitjantjatjara interpreter at Uluru. I also speak Danish.
Looking ahead in 2025
Healthy North Coast’s Education & Events team are committed to delivering high quality, face-to-face and online education for clinicians to build skill, local integration, relationships and communication between health services to build a healthier North Coast.
- Download the Jan-June Education Calendar for upcoming events and opportunities!
- Sign up to your local Clinical Society where you can be the first to register for events, have your say on localised CPD, and meet other health professionals in your area.
