General News
11 February, 2022
Bittersweet farewell for Dr Lyon
AFTER 45 years as a GP in Camperdown, Dr Eldon Lyon has officially put away the stethoscope and retired.
AFTER 45 years as a GP in Camperdown, Dr Eldon Lyon has officially put away the stethoscope and retired.
Finishing up at the Camperdown Medical Clinic earlier this month, it was with mixed feelings he embraced retirement.
“I have mixed feelings. General Practice is one of those professions that is particularly difficult to leave after having so much involvement in people’s lives,” Dr Lyon said.
“Although I have been in practice in Camperdown for 45 years, I have actually been qualified as a doctor for 55 years.
“Succession planning in country General Practice has always been problematic and I wanted to make sure the practice continued and was in good hands before I retired.”
Beginning his medical career in the UK as a GP, Dr Lyon spent two years in the Solomon Islands as a district medical officer.
“While in the Solomons living on a fairly remote island, I had to be able to turn my hand to most things,” he said.
“While being thrown in at the deep end to a certain extent, it was there I first did anaesthetics, obstetrics (including ceasars) and various operative procedures.”
Upon returning to practice in the UK, Dr Lyon and his young family ended up making the decision to move to Australia, settling in Camperdown.
Recounting his first year in Camperdown, he said it “rained and rained and rained”.
“We got used to it fairly quickly and I enjoyed the work,” Dr Lyon said.
“My favourite part of the job was being able to deliver continuity of care to patients in the community and teaching registrars and students.
“To this end I obtained a Masters Degree in Medical Education.”
The love of helping teach the next generation of doctors has continued, with Dr Lyon continuing a part-time position as senior lecturer at Deakin University for the Rural Clinical Community School and will continue with some work for the regional GP training program.
Dr Lyon hopes to be able to spend more time in the garden as well as travelling.
He thanked his patients for their support over the years, many he said have become friends over the decades.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Mark Leddy, practice manager, and all the staff members who have ensured the smooth running of the clinic during my time,” Dr Lyon said.
“Thanks must also go to my colleagues, particularly Dr John Menzies, and all the doctors, medical specialists and ancillary personnel I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years.
“Thank you to the nurses and staff of the Camperdown Hospital.”
Dr Lyon also paid tribute to his familyfor their unwavering support.
“My long medical career would not have been possible without the support and love of my family,” he said.
