Our Medical Centre in Coolalinga Is Unique!
We Have Two Family GP’s – A Male and A Female Doctor –
So You Can See The Same Doctor Every Time
One of the main differences between the larger medical centres and our traditionally run medical centre in Coolalinga is the doctors themselves. The larger medical centres in Darwin are more impersonal which could be why they are reported to have a large turn around in patients – however, this can be due to the large turn around in the doctors themselves.
The doctors in family GP practices are known to stay at the same location for longer periods of time (sometimes all their lives) and this sense of permanency helps them to develop a relationship of trust with their patients. This is so in Dr Erik Hauge’s case, who established his family medical centre in coolalinga in 1991; and which continues to provide a personalized service to all his patients.
It Benefits Patients To Have Doctors Who Are Around For The Long Term:
Having the opportunity to offer a long term presence in the same clinic, obviously helps our doctors to better recognize emerging medical conditions and provide timely medical advice. Also being fully conversant with their patients medical history is important when an illness needs to be monitored. No matter what the medical condition, it is very reassuring for the patient to know that their doctor knows them well enough to accurately diagnose their condition.
Dr Erik Hauge:
Dr. Hauge is the founder and principal doctor of Coolalinga Doctors and Health Centre, and has practiced family medicine for over 30 years. His doctors surgery has treated patients coming from Darwin, Coolalinga and the surrounding localities of Palmerston, Howard Springs and Humpty Doo. (You can read more about Erik here)
Dr. Hauge is devoted to his patients; and many who became his patients thirty years ago still attend his family medical centre in Coolalinga. Patient attendance hasn’t been hindered by the fact that many have moved out of the locality and now live in areas that require up to an hour’s drive to attend his family practice.
Needless to say, with Erik’s extensive local medical experience he is able to diagnose patients’ symptoms efficiently and the appropriate medical advice is always forthcoming. If he can’t help you, he will know of a specialist that can, and you will be referred to the appropriate specialist without any hesitation. Dr. Hauge holds to the values of the traditional family doctor, so you will never be limited to talking about one complaint as happens in the larger medical centres.
Dr Marcellina Martins:
Like Dr. Hauge, Dr. Martins also takes a traditional approach to patient care, and believes patients need to fully disclose their health concerns in order for her to give the most appropriate medical advice. Dr Martins does not want her patients to feel that one appointment is equal to one medical complaint. Unfortunately, this practice is becoming more common in the larger medical centres in Darwin.
Dr Marcellina Martins, being a mother herself, with two adult children attending university, and a teenager still at high school, has a deep understanding of the physical and emotional needs of women and children in Darwin today. For this reason she has a keen interest in women and children’s health.
Another of Dr Martins special interests is in the area of obesity. She provides a comprehensive weight loss service to those who are struggling with their weight and are in need of personal support. She is offering this service at the Coolalinga Doctors and Health Centre on Tuesday afternoons (by appointment only).
In the past GPs handed out diet pills to their patients, along with a calorie controlled diet plan and a stern warning on shortened life expectancy. However, today with obesity on the rise and the associated health risks, there is a strong demand for doctors to become more proactive and offer more realistic guidance. Dr Martins and other like minded doctors are making it their business to understand the many variables involved in weight issues so that they can play a more life- changing roll by offering meaningful personal support every step of the way. To do it all alone is to invite failure. You can read more about Dr Martins program on this website under Weight Loss Services or select here.
We Also Provide The Services Of Our Resident Naturopath
Dorte Petersen:
You won’t very often find a qualified alternative practitioner, such as a naturopath, in a medical centre. However, because our clinic offers a unique and personalized service, we want to cater to those who prefer the natural route. Dorte Petersen, gained her naturopathic degree in Germany before coming to Australia and settling in the Northern Territory. She has been working from the Coolalinga Doctors and Health Centre for over ten years. Dorte is available by appointment on 0410 10 33 88. To read more about Dorte’s services, please go here.
Our Receptionists – Sylvia and Jenny:
Our receptionists, Sylvia and Jenny, keep the medical centre functioning at its optimum. These two caring ladies bring with them a wealth of experience from their previous years of full time employment in areas of administration and welfare. They enjoy doing their best to make your every contact with the Coolalinga Doctors and Health Centre, a pleasant and satisfying experience.