Doctor's prescription for retirement

Dr Micheil Sweet

AFTER 60 years of service to the Derwent Valley, Dr Micheil Sweet will today write his last prescriptions before hanging up his stethoscope.

During the day he will be saying a fond farewell to many generations of families who have been his patients over the years.

Dr Sweet was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his service to the community and has been the recipient of a number of community awards over the years.

He has also been a successful sportsman, playing several seasons with the New Norfolk District Football Club and on several occasions winning the Queen's Prize as a sporting shooter.

He recently turned 89 and over the past few months has encountered some ill health and a decision was made to transition to retirement, with November 1 being selected as his final day in the work that has been a major part of his life for more than six decades.

Dr Sweet plans to quietly depart his surgery in Montagu St without fanfare, but he will be missed by many for the dedicated support, medical advice and assistance he has provided over the years.

Many would remember sitting in his waiting room, sometimes for hours, as Dr Sweet would be called away to deliver a baby or attend an urgent house call. He was an old-school general practitioner who until recent years would perform minor surgery in his rooms.

Dr Sweet and his wife Barbara are looking forward to spending more time in their extensive garden at Cotswold, Lachlan.

The Monagu St premises, known as Kumara, have been sold to a family which has embarked on an extensive renovation program. The house was built in the mid-1800s, with an additional level added in 1950. There are no plans for another medical practice at the premises at this stage.

Thank you for your service Dr Sweet and best wishes for your well-deserved retirement.