4 minute read
INSPIRING OLD GRAMMARIAN
DR DENBIGH BURROWS MD, BMED (2012, SCHOOL CO-VICE CAPTAIN)
Denbigh’s passion for practising as a rural General Practitioner combines his love of living in the country and serving his local community and has all the facets of work and lifestyle that he enjoys.
“I love that it means you get to be a jack-of-alltrades, but the thing I probably love most is being able to provide continuity of care to my patients.”
He says that rural GPs can have a big impact on patients and their families. For Denbigh, being responsible for navigating families through sometimes extremely difficult and challenging times is very rewarding.
“Looking after your patients from the day they are born to when they die, you get to know them and their families really well. You have the responsibility and privilege of helping make their lives a little bit better or more comfortable.”
These days, Denbigh’s time is divided between working as a GP at Camperdown Robinson Street Medical Centre and working on his farm outside Camperdown where he runs Angus beef cattle. “I wanted to have a little farm of my own, even though it’s essentially a paddock and I borrow what I need from Mum and Dad!”
Denbigh grew up on his family’s farm nearby and spent six years at Grammar in Wigan house. While studying medicine at UNSW, his course required him to spend half his time in Sydney and half in Wagga Wagga at the Base Hospital. Attracted to the regional lifestyle, after graduating he chose to stay in Wagga Wagga to do his internship and residency years before returning to Victoria to specialise in Intensive Care.
It was during that time working in the Intensive Care Unit at the Alfred Hospital that Denbigh realised he wanted to work in an area of medicine where he could really get to know his patients, so he switched his speciality to General Practice. Now that he’s a rural GP, Denbigh says that a major part of his job is providing mental health support for patients.
“Mental health is a major issue for people in rural and regional communities. A large part of the care is provided by GPs who are the first port of call for patients seeking help. We try our best to assist people in navigating the system and linking them with the care and support that’s the best fit for them. And as someone who’s had friends die from suicide due to depression, and as someone who has experienced anxiety and depression at times myself, it’s very important to me to do what I can to change things for the better.”
Denbigh’s work to inspire change in the area of mental health started when he was still studying. He was named as a Royal Agricultural Society of NSW 2019 Rural Achiever in recognition for his work in various mental health groups and programs in Wagga Wagga.
He assisted in getting a program called ‘Tomorrow Man’ running in multiple schools and local community events which provided education and support to around 400 men and boys. The program provides a safe space for the men and boys to be vulnerable and talk about their issues.
Denbigh is currently involved in a project focused on men’s mental health in South West Victoria. “The local public health network is looking at what rural GPs need, in addition to what they already have, to provide the best support and care for mental health patients.”
Denbigh’s inclination for getting involved in his community was evident during his time at Grammar. “If I was known for anything at school it probably would be that I was involved in as many things as I could fit into my day. That not only gave me a wonderful world perspective, but also meant I developed a wonderful network of friends and experiences that have helped me in everything I’ve done since.”
He says that Grammar provided a fantastic gateway to opportunities. “We were so privileged to have all those experiences. Grammar taught me about the importance of serving others and making the most of every learning opportunity and, most importantly, showing kindness to others and being a good person.”
Denbigh explains that Headmaster Stephen Higgs had a particularly big impact on him.
"I really admired Mr Higgs for the way he treated people with respect and fairness and for how he always considered people when making decisions.”
In 2023, Denbigh is undertaking further study of GP Anaesthetics for 12 months, which means he will be able to assist his patients even further. Meanwhile he will continue to work and advocate to help those in rural areas suffering from mental health conditions.
“It is very important to me that when young people are struggling, especially young men from rural and regional areas, they get the education and support they need to seek professional help."
Denbigh’s impact in the field of rural medicine, and in particular mental health in rural and regional communities, exemplifies Grammar’s values of pursuing excellence in learning and in life, serving our communities and taking personal responsibility for making a difference. Thank you, Denbigh.
