New GP enjoying her community

Dr Nikki Myhre may be new in town, but she and her family are already fans of the area's "beautiful parks".

With two young boys, William (3) and Thomas (19 months), Nikki and her husband Travis are getting to know where the best swings, slides and duck feeding locations are around town.

The young family have moved here from the United States for Nikki to take up a position as GP at Avon Medical Centre. "It's certainly very different to my last practice," says Nikki, who was working in a family practice in Washington before moving to New Zealand.

While it is her first time working in New Zealand, it isn't her first visit to the country, as Travis and she came for a three-and-a-half week holiday here a few years ago. "In fact we got engaged in New Zealand, so my heart has been here a long time."

Nikki says Travis has always been keen on the idea of living in New Zealand, "when I was in my first year of medical school he was already looking into locum opportunities here," she laughs, explaining his passion for the country started when he lived in New Zealand 11 years ago.

Nikki has always wanted to be a doctor, "when I was 11 I had to do a research project at school, and I chose leukaemia as my topic. Since then, I have known I wanted to work in either science or medicine, and I like people, so I chose medicine".

"Insurance began dictating how you treated patients," says Nikki, explaining why she and Travis decided now was the right time for them to move to a new country. "The US system seemed to be one of endless documentation, and we felt the work life balance would be better here in New Zealand."

So far, Nikki and Travis haven't been disappointed.

"Everyone is so friendly here, and the area has such amazing walks and views." Both of them are keen trampers, and are looking forward to exploring the tracks and walks around the area. Nikki has also bought herself a spinning wheel and plans to learn how to spin, "it appeals to me and we found one in an antique shop, so I decided to give it a go".

While Nikki tends to patients, Travis will be at home with their two boys.

"He and they are looking forward to discovering playgroups and the various activities on offer to families in the area." Nikki says they have already noticed that the town is "very parent friendly," with lots to offer young families.

Nikki says she has enjoyed meeting the team at Avon Medical Centre, "they are really friendly and it feels such a nice place to work," adding she is looking forward to meeting her patients.

My medicine training included osteopathy, so I tend to look at the mind, body and spirit, not just the symptoms, when I am working with a patient.

Dr Nikki Myhre

Nikki says she enjoys working with patients of all backgrounds and ages.

"I don't have a favourite type of patient, whether it's a young child with a cough or an older gentleman struggling with arthritis pain, I like being able to help them."

Avon Medical Centre is accepting new patients and Dr Myhre will begin her own patient base as soon as she becomes a member of Midlands Health Network. To book in to see Nikki or any of the GPs or nurses at the practice, please call the friendly reception team on 06 765 5454