Meet a member - Dr Emma Leu-Marshall

“Taabinga Family Practice opened for patients in January 2017. My husband, Ben, and I wanted to have a welcoming environment, where people felt like they were ok, and going to be looked after - not just our patients, but our staff as well. We chose to focus on being flexible for families, and have welcoming staff, as well as artwork at the front door,” said Dr Leu-Marshall.  

“Being my own boss has many challenges, but many rewards as well. It is amazing looking at the open waiting area, with our inner courtyard garden, and appreciating that this is a welcoming space. 

“I am very fortunate to have had several amazing practice managers from the outset, with lots of help of the administration side of things. We have full time nursing support who provide both acute care and support chronic disease care (our nurses are amazing!), and GPs are encouraged in special interest areas. We decided to support medical education, and now have registrars and medical students frequently rotating through. 

“The name ‘Taabinga’ comes from my family property, one of the first white settlements in the area, originally built in 1846 and taking up over 305 square miles. Taabinga has been in my mum's family since 1887, so a long-term connection to the area, and it made sense to reflect my own history, as well as that of the town, in setting up the practice.”

Dr Leu-Marshall was drawn to general practice after being inspired by her family’s long-standing GP, who looked after the whole family. She was also keen to be a part of the community. 

“When I was considering a medical profession, I knew I wanted a connection to a community, and I wanted to work outside of the often fast paced hospital arena. I love that general practice allows a variety in my work day, seeing different people, but often knowing more about the situation due to also knowing the extended family, or circumstances in the community,” she said. 

“Kingaroy is my home town, so I guess I have many reasons to love it - I returned in 2017 to be closer to family. I love the sense of community that presents itself, the way people support each other. 

“There's lots to see and do in the wider community – the Bunya Mountains are at our disposal, a great rail trail for exercising, lots of community and cultural groups, a new hospital. 

“I like that my son attends school in town, and I can be involved in his school events as needed. 

“If country living isn't your thing, Kingaroy is only a couple of hours to Toowoomba, Brisbane and the coast, with all the city attractions so close!” she said. 

Dr Leu-Marshall has chosen to be part of the GPs in Schools Pilot, which is placing GPs in 50 state secondary schools across Queensland. The service provides students with free access to a GP at school one day per week, removing barriers students may otherwise face to receiving timely and appropriate healthcare. Dr Leu-Marshall provides services to Murgon State High School. 

“Murgon State High School was successful in its application to be part of the Pilot, and I now work one day a week in the Barambah Youth Services Hub, located in the school grounds at Murgon. 

“I jumped at the chance to be involved – I have always been interested in adolescent health, and helping to develop autonomy in young people as they discover who they are and transition into adulthood. 

“The program feels like a place where you can really make a difference – even just by being a trusted adult to discuss things confidentially. Sometimes, it is anxiety about a particular issue – not necessarily needing medication, but listening, and problem solving. 

“In Murgon, the guidance officer and student support staff have been keen advocates for the service, even attending appointments with students to help with the initial anxiety about meeting a new person,” she said. 

Further information regarding the GPs in Schools Pilot is available on the Department of Education’s website. 

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