Don Medical Clinic

Founded in 2013 as an on-campus medical clinic at Don College, Don Medical Clinic has grown into a locally owned, independent general practice located in the central business district. Initially focused on providing healthcare for young people, it has since evolved into a family-oriented practice dedicated to delivering comprehensive and collaborative care. The clinic strives to serve as a healthcare home for its patients, offering consistent, team-based, and person-centred care. With a strong emphasis on early intervention, preventative measures, and evidence-based chronic disease management, Don Medical Clinic works to improve patient outcomes, reduce acute medical presentations, and enhance the quality of life for the community. Don Medical Clinic promotes regular health checks and prioritises early intervention and prevention to effectively address healthcare needs. This proactive approach helps patients maintain their health and reduces the risk of hospitalisation. The clinic fosters a culture of learning for both its staff and patients. Its skilled team includes general practitioners, doctors-in-training, a practice nurse, and a medical practice assistant. The reception team plays a critical role in triaging patient needs and directing them to the appropriate clinical resources. Additionally, the allied health team comprises an optometrist, a dietitian, and an audiologist, enhancing the range of services available. The clinic also maintains strong connections with various clinical and non-clinical services in the community. Operating in a regional area, Don Medical Clinic has faced challenges in attracting and retaining consistent medical staff. To address these issues, the clinic employs a team-based approach that maximises the skills of both clinical and administrative staff to support patient care. Locum doctors are utilised to manage urgent and acute needs, enabling the clinic to focus on developing sustainable programs for prevention and chronic disease management. Several staff members have completed the UTas Clinical Redesign course, providing them with evidence-based tools to improve primary care delivery. The clinic’s participation in the national Health Care Homes pilot project (2018–2021) further strengthened its commitment to a team-based model of care. As innovators and early adopters of this approach, Don Medical Clinic continues to lead the way in providing high-quality, forward-thinking primary healthcare.