Dr Adrian Cameron
From quiet dedication to loud impact
In rural health the right equipment can make all the difference
Dr. Adrian Cameron is a man of quiet humility, but beneath his calm demeanour burns an unshakable passion for his community. Talk to him about his work, and his voice is filled with conviction as he speaks of his mission to make healthcare more accessible for the people of Portland, Victoria.
Adrian’s journey into medicine was anything but conventional. As a mature-age student, Adrian pursued his medical degree at Deakin University, graduating in 2012. His career began at South West Healthcare in Warrnambool, and today, he is a GP at Active Health, a bustling medical practice in the picturesque seaside town of Portland in Southern Victoria. But that’s not all—Adrian also dedicates time to the Emergency Department at South West Healthcare, ensuring that critical care is available to those in need.
Living by the sea suits Adrian, but it is the unique challenge of being a rural GP that truly fuels his dedication. Rural medicine is demanding—there are fewer resources, limited funding, and an ever-growing need for expertise. Yet, for Adrian, these obstacles are eclipsed by the deep connections he forms with his patients. He describes them as resilient, grateful, and appreciative of the care they receive. These bonds, built on trust and understanding, make every day in practice deeply rewarding.
"There’s so much variety being a rural GP, and so many opportunities to grow and stretch yourself," Adrian says. But his commitment doesn’t stop at treating patients—he is determined to break down the barriers preventing them from receiving the best care possible.
When Adrian noticed the alarming number of patients struggling with poor ear health and the long wait times for specialist care, he knew he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. He took matters into his own hands, diving into research to find a solution. That’s when he discovered the Vorotek Loupe and the support from Rural Doctors Foundation to acquire this equipment.
Adrian found the Foundation not only supports rural health practitioners, we also provide funding for essential medical equipment. The day Adrian received the call confirming that the Foundation would fund the purchase of the Loupe for Active Health was one he won’t forget.
“t’s moments like these that are among the most rewarding parts of my role. A day when I make the call to let rural health workers know we can help with equipment or program funding is a good day. But an even better day is following up months later and hearing how that support has changed lives.”
Fran Avon - CEO
Transforming lives
The introduction of the Vorotek Loupe at Active Health has been nothing short of transformative. “We’ve been wanting to offer this service for so long,” Adrian shares. “Like many rural practices, we simply didn’t have the funds.” Traditional ear syringing is recognised as outdated and a less effective method of wax removal, yet it remains the only option for many rural practices communities.
The Vorotek Loupe provides a stereoscopic view of the ear canal, allowing for precise and gentle microsuction treatment for both children and adults. This means no more painful syringing, no more fearful children dreading treatment, and no more patients traveling long distances for a simple procedure. We also use the Vorotec o-scope for treatment of otitis externa which requires removal of debris from the canal and keeping it dry. We also use it for removal of foreign bodies, and for inspection of the drum. For Portland, this isn’t just a technological upgrade—it’s a game-changer.
Active Health is the only practice in Portland offering this service, and it has quickly become a cornerstone of community care. Two dedicated nurse practitioners have been trained in the use of the Loupe, running a weekly clinic that not only provides essential treatment but also frees up GPs to see more patients.
The impact is already evident. “Just the other day, our nurse practitioner Kam used a combination of microsuction and ointment instillation to treat a case of otitis externa. The patient had previously been travelling to Melbourne for this treatment and it made a big difference to him to be able to have this done here in Portland,” Adrian reports with pride.
Adrian reflects on the difference this simple yet powerful piece of equipment has made. He has always believed in the strength and resilience of his community. With our support , he is helping to ensure that no one in Portland has to suffer in silence, waiting for care that should be readily available.
Because for Adrian, medicine isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling.
And every life he touches in his small seaside town is proof that even the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
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