Emma Pritchard
He comes from a long, proud, and distinguished line of medical practitioners in his family which stretches back to the 1880s.
And following his recent retirement, he leaves behind an incredible legacy of close to 50 years servicing the needs of generations of Clarence Valley residents.
When Dr Robin Mathews first arrived in the region from Sydney in 1978, he never envisioned he would spend the next 44 years living and working in Northern NSW.
Reflecting on his respective career, which includes several years working as a general practitioner at the Clarence Medical Centre in Maclean, numerous shifts in the rehabilitation unit at Maclean District Hospital, and assisting the Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, Dr Mathews said he has enjoyed providing medical care to those in need and building lifelong friendships within his local community.
During his career, he also received a high distinction from the NSW Rural Doctors Network when he was awarded the Rural Medical Service Award in recognition of his significant professional contributions.
While he admits he will miss the company and comradery of working alongside his colleagues, he humbly reveals he has enjoyed an extremely rewarding profession, one which he is encouraging others to actively pursue.
“It is a worthy career,” he said proudly.
“And we need more generalists, especially in regional areas.
“Being a GP is very rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed my career and the work I have been able to do in the Clarence Valley.”
Some of the most memorable moments throughout his career include delivering babies and caring for them as adults, hearing the stories patients share with him, and seeing the many medical advancements which have progressed through the years.
He said the aid of computers has also increased productivity within the medical profession, with hospitals and local clinics able to share patient records more efficiently and rapidly, especially in the event of an emergency.
“The style of medicine has changed a lot too,” he recalled.
“There is a stronger focus on mental health now and more chronic diseases and vaccines.
“I will miss practising medicine, but I am excited to pursue other interests.”
When asked if he has settled on any immediate retirement plans, Dr Mathews said he and his wife Faith are looking forward to spending more time with their family and travelling to the Amazon and Antarctica within the next twelve months.