Family Doctor

David Whittet is passionate about general practice and is currently working in Oamaru, a rural town in New Zealand’s South Island.

Before moving south in 2011, David practised in a high needs community at Te Karaka, a small township in the Gisborne region, on the East Cape of the North Island. The sixteen years David spent at Te Karaka were among the most challenging of his professional life. Moreover, it was here that he got the inspiration for his debut novel, Gang Girl.

Medicine has always proved a constant source of inspiration for his writing and film making. ‘General practice is about being interested in people’s stories—they go hand in hand.’
























Career highlights include a decade on the executive of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. David served two terms as Deputy President of the College from 2005 to 2009. During this time he held the rural portfolio, making sure the interests of remote and rural doctors were forefront in College decision-making.

David contributed to establishing the World Organization of Family Doctors Working Party on Rural Practice. This dynamic group has made significant advances for rural health, with initiatives for education and the rights of indigenous peoples.

During his time on the Working Practice for Rural Practice, David has developed projects to provide medical facilities in remote communities in India and Cambodia. He has twice been awarded the World Organisation of Family Doctors Foundation Award to support this work.



















David is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences. View some of his presentations and learn more about his Family Medicine Projects

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