Retired Frankston Hospital Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr Geoff Wicks, is celebrating his 100th birthday on 11 November.
Dr Wicks started his career at The Alfred Hospital before coming to Mornington to work as a locum. He then went to the United Kingdom where he trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology, working in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
When he returned he worked as a GP before he began caring for women across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
“In 1977, I left general practice which I did enjoy and became a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, working at the Bush Nursing Hospital in Mornington and Frankston Hospital,” recalls Dr Wicks.
“I continued as a specialist until the early 90s.”
Dr Wicks has delivered thousands of babies over the years and seen many advances in medical technology.
“Ultrasound was one of the enormous discoveries. We could look at the baby in the womb and whether it was presenting by the head or the bottom, whether it was one or two,” says Dr Wicks.
“Before we had ultrasound once in a blue moon, mothers would go into labor and have a baby and much to their surprise and the doctor’s, it would be twins.”
Another major change to medicine Dr Wicks saw was the increasing use of caesarian delivery, improved anaesthetics and less use of forceps.
A Mornington local to this day, Dr Wicks has enjoyed caring for the community where he lives.
“Sometimes people come up to me and say are you Dr Wicks? I say oh yes, and they would give me a bit of an account of the fact I delivered their babies or delivered them!” Dr Wicks says.
“That’s what I liked about being semi-rural and in a place like Mornington – you were part of the village. If you delivered babies in the city for instance, you’re unlikely to see the mother and baby again.”
After retiring from medicine, Dr Wicks continued his association with Peninsula Health, but this time as a donor, supporting various fundraising appeals to raise money for new medical equipment over the years.
“I appreciate the work they do and I could see the need,” says Dr Wicks, when asked why he started donating to Peninsula Health.
Dr Wicks is a great-grandfather now, with 30 great-grandchildren. He plans to celebrate his birthday with all of his family.
His advice for others who want to live a long a joyful life – family and staying active. “There’s a lot to be said for having a happy family – I would have to say that’s the secret, together with activities and keeping up a social life – that’s the most important thing.” Dr Wicks says.