Dr Nathan Cooney from Wintergarden Family Practice enjoys working in a traditional GP-style general practice where he can develop a long-term relationship with his patients.
How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in Bowral/Wingecarribee?
I’ve been a GP for 13 years and I’ve been practising in Bowral since midway through 2011 – so nine years.
When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?
When I was a kid I liked the idea of being a doctor. My background is Greek and once my Greek grandparents realised I was bright I had to become a doctor!
Then, when I was at university doing problem-based learning – where you basically train as a GP – I realised I really liked the idea of being able to help anyone, rather than just having a particular specialty. I considered paediatrics because I like kids and I also liked surgery, and I still love doing bits and pieces of surgery in the GP clinic. I was a bit idealistic, I liked the idea of being able to help anyone who asked for it.
What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
Definitely having a long-term relationship with people. I love working in a practice that really values the relationship between doctor and patient. If patients want to see the same doctor, then that’s fine, they’re not pushed on to anyone else. It’s having that traditional style GP-model where you see the person you know that I really enjoy.
What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?
It’s a cradle to grave practice. It’s called Wintergarden Family Practice. When I took it over it was called Wintergarden Medical Centre and I changed the name for that reason. The community needs a practice where they feel they are well looked after and cared for by reception staff and doctors who know them. I don’t think you get that sort of rapport in a clinic where you’re seen as a one-off.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I do a little bit of bush regeneration, quite a bit yoga, meditation and Buddist philosophy. I don’t mind watching sport, including a bit of rugby.
Tell me about your ideal day…
An ideal day would include having time to engage with my children and my wife. My girls are seven and nine years old so having an opportunity to go for a bike ride with them, help them with homework, read stories, play board games, that would be an ideal day.
What do you love most about Bowral/Wingecarribee?
I was born and bred in Sydney but GP registrar training in the country for six months was compulsory. I was a GP registrar in Orange and I loved being in a semi-rural setting. I extended my stay in Orange and stayed there for two-and-a-half years. I met my wife in Orange and she also loved the country. Her parents live down here in Wingecarribee so we thought it might be a good fit for us and for bringing up family. It’s nice to be in a rural setting where things seem to be more convenient, easy going and it’s a bit more relaxed lifestyle. Although with work it doesn’t always work out like that!
What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?
I like the lifestyle medicine approach. I’m a member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine so I’m big on talking about nutrition, healthy habits, exercise, relaxation techniques and reducing stress levels – a holistic look at people’s emotional and physical health, sometimes delving into their spiritual issues. That’s something that’s come up with coronavirus lately, talking about death. Health is not just a physical prescription, most of the time lifestyle changes and considerations are much more important.