Community
19 March, 2025
Dr Tim Fitzpatrick announces his retirement
TIM Fitzpatrick has announced his retirement after more than 34 years at Terang Medical Clinic.
Dr Fitzpatrick today announced his intention to retire in an open letter to the community, which was shared to social media.
“After working as a GP at Terang Medical Clinic since February 1991, I have decided to retire at the end of June,” he said.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with a wonderful close-knit community, sharing the joy of birth, the pain of loss and all the fun and games in between.
“It is very hard to say goodbye.”
Dr Fitzpatrick said Terang was a special place where he and his wife, Janine, had raised their family and built a life together.
“I had two children in Terang Hospital and all three went to school at Terang College, where Janine taught French for 16 years,” he said.
“I played over 100 games for Terang Cricket Club, including losing four grand finals, and our children played footy, cricket, basketball, tennis and netball locally.
“They even learnt to play the piano.”
Dr Fitzpatrick thanked Terang’s medical community for its support over the years.
“The dedicated team at Terang Medical Clinic has been a second family to Janine and I, and we cannot thank them enough for their friendship and unwavering loyalty,” he said.
“I shall be forever grateful to the Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) for supporting me to practice obstetrics, anesthetics and provide general medical care.
“I’ve loved working with all the nurses, theatre staff, visiting specialists and other doctors who have come and gone over the years.”
Dr Fitzpatrick announced Dr Jacqueline Altree would be taking over as the new owner of Terang Medical Clinic.
“She will continue to be supported by the clinic’s team which currently includes many young, enthusiastic doctors.
“I’m reassured the community will be in good hands.”
The announcement drew widespread appreciation for Dr Fitzpatrick’s years of dedication to supporting the community at both the best and worst of times.
“Much of the success that TMHS has enjoyed has been due to the dedication and professionalism of our local medical clinics over many years,” one commenter said.
Former colleagues offered their congratulations.
“An absolute honour to work with you Tim for 25 years,” one commenter said.
“You and Janine have been with our family through the best and the absolute worst times in our lives.”
Another commenter expressed how much they would miss the comfort Dr Fitzpatrick provided.
“We will miss Dr Tim’s smiling face before our consultation,” they said.
“A dedicated physician to all in Terang who will be greatly missed, however we wish Tim and his family a more relaxing time in his life.
“He certainly deserves it.”
Commenters also expressed their congratulations to Dr Altree, noting Terang Medical Clinic would remain in highly capable hands.
“Congratulations to Jackie,” they said.
“Our community is blessed to have such a good and supportive medical team.”
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