Bunbury doctor hangs up stethoscope after half-century

Tomorrow, Jupiter Health doctor Gary Mincham will hang up his stethoscope for the last time as he retires after more than 50 years of service in Bunbury.

From a young age, Dr Mincham, pictured, knew he wanted to be a doctor.

“When I was about three years old I burnt my hand and was exposed to doctors and thought it would be a good profession,” he said. “I enjoy the humanitarian side of things and helping people.”

In 1967 Dr Mincham graduated from UWA and took on internships before packing up and moving to Bunbury.

“It was time for me to move out of hospitals and go into general practice,” he said.

“I got chatting to Dr McKenna from Dr Foster and Associates in Bunbury and he mentioned he was looking for someone to work there and so I decided to move down.

“I’ve been in Bunbury ever since and love living here.”

Fast forward 50 years and Dr Mincham has three children, two of whom are doctors, and seven grandchildren.

“We spent a fair few Christmas days visiting hospitals where I would catch up with patients,” he said.

“I never encouraged my children to become doctors, they chose their careers on their own merit, but I’m happy they did.”

After a structural change at Foster Associates, Dr Mincham moved to Jupiter Health where he has spent the last two years and will wrap up his work as a general practitioner this week.

“I will miss the personal contact with patients, some of whom have been with me since I started practising,” he said.

“But I’m looking forward to fishing, golfing and spending time with my grandchildren.

“We have a farm in Donnybrook which I am hoping to get out to more now that I will have the time.”