After spending nearly fifty years as a rural general practitioner, the well-known Dr Ian Falson has retired from his practice in Ballina.
‘It’s been such a privilege to care for the health needs of the communities I have lived in over the last half a century,’ said Dr Falson.
After working as a GP, GP obsetrician and GP anaesthetist in Port Macquarie for 15 years, Dr Falson moved to Ballina in 1995 and pursued an active interest in skin cancer medicine. He was a foundation member of Skin Cancer College Australasia and became an accredited skin cancer doctor.
Slip, slop, slap!
‘I can remember every baby I delivered when I was living in Port Macquarie and just about every melanoma I have diagnosed while in Ballina,’ said Dr Falson.
‘Sadly, and frustratingly, over 2,000 people die every year from skin cancer in Australia. We have the highest incidence of a skin cancer in the world. This is a totally preventable and treatable disease.
‘Preventive measures like “slip, slop, slap,” especially in the first 20 years of life, are critical to minimise development of skin cancer. Regular skin checks with your GP or skin cancer doctor allows early detection and in most cases curative treatment.’
Dr Falson has been in the same premises in Tamar Street since 1995, working alongside GP Dr Meng Yeo. Both doctors are well-known in Ballina, with some patients coming from interstate to see them.
Dr Arthur Proudfoot has taken over the Tamar Street skin care practice from Dr Falson.
Dr Falson said he intends to spend his retirement travelling, both around Australia and visiting friends and family overseas. Tamar Surgery said it was sending its best wishes and deepest thanks with Dr Falson for the next chapter in his life.
