Dr Annabel Stuckey’s retirement message
As a contribution, a colleague and retired integrative Sydney GP Dr Cathy Morris wrote this for us. Dr Morris and Dr Stuckey were both pioneering women GP’s who could see that aspects of patient care needed more depth and investigation into root causes. We are grateful to Dr Morris too!
Four years ago, Annabel joined Genbiome as an integrative practitioner with special expertise and over 25 years’ experience in the management of autism and behaviour disorders in children. Annabel graduated in 1981. Following 2 years residency at Sydney Hospital, Annabel and her husband travelled to South Africa where they worked for a couple of years. On returning to Sydney, she did various hospital internships and in 1987 they went to Wales where she worked for another 2years whilst her husband undertook post grad training. Once again back in Sydney, Annabel took up various positions in hospitals and even did time working for the Navy. Annabel then joined a General Practice in Rozelle where she worked until the birth of her second child in 1992.
Annabel’s daughter received a diagnosis of Autism at age 2. This set Annabel on a lifelong quest to find help for children and their families with this diagnosis. To this end, Annabel brought out Dr Michael Goldberg, a forerunner in integrative medical management of autism, from America to speak at conference for parents and interested practitioners; followed by Dr Doreen Granpeesheh to inform parents of educational treatment modalities for autism. She set up the first ABA clinic in Australia, an educational centre to help in the management of autistic children. In 2006 she was instrumental in establishing a primary school for autistic children using applied behavioural therapy and later a pre school was also established. She remains a director of both facilities
Further support for the management of autism occurred when Bio Balance was established in 2003 and enabled Dr William Walsh, an internationally recognised expert in the field of nutritional medicine, to visit from America and direct physician training programs in the Nutraceutical management of autism and behavior disorders. Dr Walsh continued to come out yearly until a few years ago. He brought out with him each year a paediatrician with special expertise in the management of autism. Such esteemed doctors included: Dr Albert Mensa; Dr Judy Bowman; Dr Mary Megson; Dr Liz Mumper and Dr Nancy O’Hara. Attending these consultative conferences enabled Annabel to maintain and broaden her knowledge around the most up to date and evolving treatments available to children with learning disorders. Many, many patients had their lives changed and their families and their doctors learnt , and were empowered by consultation with these outstanding physicians.
Annabel’s pioneering endeavours, which have continued to this day, into the management of autism have benefited innumerable children and their families. Annabel’s unique calm, unassuming manner enabled her to connect with her patients and their families for their mutual benefit. Her inspirational commitment to the betterment of the lives of autistic children and support for their families was at the forefront of her work. She was always available to share her knowledge with any of her peers who sought it.
