AMA Victoria - Vicdoc August/September 2019

Retirement is emerging as one of the big issues for which our senior members are seeking support. In response, our Medical Career Service has expanded its coaching offering to deliver a targeted retirement solution designed to support senior doctors to retire well. This program assists doctors to navigate the retirement process and can be tailored to each doctor’s individual needs. In this regular series, doctors share their retirement stories. Retiring well: Dr George Santoro AO Can you tell us about your career and what you are doing now? I graduated from Melbourne University in 1962 and after doing a year’s residency at the Queen Victoria Hospital I commenced my own solo general practice in Richmond. I saw patients there for 35 years. During this time I was very active within the AMA and was President of AMA Victoria in 1983. I also acted as Treasurer for a number of years and represented the AMA on many committees. I also enjoyed being on a committee for 10 years selected by the Governor-General to help choose Australians for post-nominal honours, such as the Order of Australia. I was lucky enough and truly honoured to be recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia myself in 2010. I retired from my practice in 2000, but I am still on the Committee of the Victorian Medical Benevolent Association, helping doctors and their families during difficult times. Helping to look after sick doctors has been a hobby for me for many years and I still like to visit them now and maintain relationships. I was also the President of AMA Victoria’s Archives and Heritage Committee until retiring recently. The AMA has been a big part of my life. What was your approach to retirement? What steps did you take to prepare? I slowed down gradually. Another doctor took over the practice from me and he took over some of my patients while I reduced my numbers and kept seeing patients at home. I had plenty of time to think about it and it all went fairly smoothly. Twelve months before I wanted to sell, I made sure all of my patient records were in good order for someone else to take over. What worked well for you during this transition? I had my mail redirected to home and kept up with patient home visits. Maintaining patient relationships has meant I never felt like I ever left the profession. This also allowed me to keep up my CME and accreditation points as I headed towards retirement, but I still keep up my accreditation to this day, as I still enjoy going to seminars and keeping up to date with medicine. I have always had an interest in medicine after following my father into the profession and I still like Dr George Santoro AO to read all the journals and stay informed with developments. I also had a really good relationship with my secretary and she kept working with me all through to the end. She still comes to see me. What resources or support did you utilise in implementing your retirement? Not much really. I just advertised that I wanted to sell my practice and went from there. Were there any challenges or surprises for you during or after the transition process? It was all quite smooth for me because I had a reached an age of 65 where I wanted to stop. I had saved enough money to be able to retire and it was time to pull back. Do you have any advice for others considering retirement? I kept myself busy with hobbies. My wife Susan and I have enjoyed spending time at our property in Gippsland and I belong to the Athenaeum Club in the CBD. I recommend getting good financial advice before retirement. Also, if you feel concerned about being bored, it’s worth considering making an arrangement to still see patients and keep some relationships going, even if it’s just for half a day, once a week. If you are interested in sharing your story as part of this Retiring Well series or if you would like assistance with planning your path to retirement, please contact the AMA Victoria Medical Career Service on careersadvisor@ amavic.com.au or (03) 9280 8722. 38 | Vicdoc August / September 2019 August / September 2019 Vicdoc | 39 AMA Victoria Awards Night is a celebration of excellence, dedication and leadership in healthcare. Join us to celebrate and recognise outstanding achievement and significant contribution made by individuals in the pursuit of outstanding healthcare for Victoria and for all communities. MC - SAMI SHAH Award-winning comedian, broadcaster and writer TICKETS Members - $165 per person (incl. GST) Non-Members - $195 per person (incl. GST) BOOKINGS amavic.com.au/event/awards-night MAJOR PARTNER MEDIA PARTNER PRESENTED BY Dr George Santoro, pictured in front of his portrait in the Council room at AMA House.