Dr Dick's journey leads to lasting legacy in Townsville

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has bid farewell to a respected medical leader and physician as Dr John Dick announced his retirement after more than 40 years in healthcare to move back to the UK before he becomes a grandfather.
During Dr Dick’s nine years at Townsville HHS, he has helped establish it as one of the country’s best training facilities for physicians while also helping to expand specialist services in the north.
In Dr Dick’s own words, his journey from Scotland to Townsville was a ‘very long story.”
“I never intended to become a doctor and I was originally pursuing a career in organic chemistry at Edinburgh University before finding myself drawn to the human side of science,” Dr Dick said.
“I shifted my focus to medicine, specialising in internal medicine.
“From there I had a career in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) where I had several roles, including as a clinical director and training program director.
“It was during a chance encounter with a recruitment agency that I heard about a hospital in Townsville looking for an experienced physician. I had never heard of Townsville before and had to look it up on a map.”
Dr Dick said it was a bit of a surprise ending up in north Queensland for so long.
“I came to Townsville for two years, nine years ago. I fell in love with the place, the people, the environment, the ambition, and the work I was doing – it all felt right.”
Townsville HHS chief medical officer Dr Niall Small said Dr Dick’s work has been nothing short of transformative for the health service.
“Dr Dick has been an invaluable asset to the team,” Dr Small said.
“His focus on patient flow, training, and building a cohesive physician group has significantly benefitted the hospital and the wider community.
“Our success rate for trainees passing the College of Physicians exam continues to be very high, and Dr Dick has played a key role in achieving that success. The success rate has not only benefited our health service but has also helped to bolster medical expertise across north Queensland.
“One of Dr Dick’s enduring legacies has been expanding the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive care through recruiting medical specialists.
“He understood the unique challenges faced by regional hospitals in attracting and retaining specialists and helped to create an environment at Townsville HHS that fosters professional growth and collaboration.
“Dr Dick’s efforts have resulted in improved access to specialised care for patients in Townsville and surrounding areas.
“He has had a unique ability to bring people together. He’s a respected leader, a trusted mentor, and a good friend, and we all wish him well in his retirement.”
Dr Dick is set to move back to Scotland with his wife Maureen as they prepare for the birth of their first grandchild.
He said he was grateful for the opportunity to have worked in north Queensland.
“I will miss north Queensland, especially as I readjust to winters in Scotland,” he said.
“I am thankful that I have been able to help junior doctors come through their training and exams to become physicians and, in some cases, go on to be consultants working in north Queensland.
“I am looking forward to being able to spend more time with my family, my two sons John and Gordon, and being back in Scotland for the birth my oldest son John’s first child as I become a grandfather for the first time.
“Thank you to everyone at Townsville HHS for their hard work, for the years of support, and above all for their friendship.”