Dr Nardeen Tawfik and Dr Maggie-Kate Minogue have joined the team at Shiloh Medical Practice, helping to ease the doctor shortage that was being experienced well before the Coronavirus pandemic emerged.
The Egypt born Dr Tawfik has been a practising doctor for 15 years, but her posting to Deniliquin represents a new direction in the field of general practice.
After completing her first medical degree in Egypt, Dr Tawfik went on to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
After arriving in Australia she completed a Diploma of Dermatology at The Dermatology Institute of Victoria, and started her Australian medical career at Bendigo Health in 2017.
She will be available to see patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.
‘‘I live in Echuca/Moama so there’s not much difference in how far I have to travel to work in Deniliquin (compared to working in Bendigo),’’ she said.
‘‘I took the job as I wanted to explore the world of general practice.
‘‘I worked in mental health for a year and a half and also in women’s health for a little bit, but am now excited to work as a GP.
‘‘I am happy to be given the opportunity to help patients in Deniliquin, particularly with the issues around shortage of doctors in the town.’’
Dr Minogue grew up in Harden and comes to Deniliquin as a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctorate of Medicine degree at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.
‘‘I always wanted to work in a smaller town and my partner lives near the area,’’ she said.
‘‘Another reason I came here is the fact that there was a shortage of doctors.
‘‘It’s an issue that’s facing most of regional Australia and I’m glad I can help out.
‘‘I had never been to Deni before starting work here as I was working in Wagga before getting this job.
‘‘After coming to Deni I was quick to find out it was such a beautiful place and just so pretty.’’
Dr Minogue said starting her first job during the Coronavirus pandemic has been challenging, but helped by the fact there are no local cases yet.
‘‘I was just settling in and the craziness hit,’’ she said.
‘‘One thing that has been good in this situation is seeing the entire community come together and helping each other out.
‘‘That’s the benefit of a small town, everyone bands together to make sure everyone stays safe.
‘‘So far we have had no cases in Deni which is a testament to everyone helping each other.’’