Popular medico welcomed back
Former island medico Dr Jim Khong was warmly welcomed back to Cowes last week.
Popular former island medico Dr Jim Khong was warmly welcomed back to Cowes last week, at the launch of his book “Pandemic Stress: Reflections on thriving in an anxious world” at Turn the Page Bookshop.
Dr Khong was the last doctor to work on Phillip Island as a lone medico, caring for community members 24/7 in the days when home visits were part of the service.
He arrived on the island in 1978, delivering many of the babies born at Warley over the next few years and some of their mothers were delighted to greet him at his book launch last week.
Dr Khong came here highly qualified and provided outstanding service to the community during his 13-year tenure.
He had served as surgical registrar at the Queen Victoria Hospital; and served as surgical registrar, casualty registrar and casualty director at the Preston and Northcote Community Hospital in Melbourne.
He was a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and was Medical Director of Casualty at the Austin Hospital, before arriving at Warley.
When Jim left the island in 1991, four doctors by that time were working locally, reflecting the population growth over that period.
During his visit last week, he caught up with many old friends, and from all accounts, the book proved to be very popular with signed copies walking rapidly out the door.
Copies of the book are still available at Turn the Page, proprietor Lois Gaskin advises.
