Dr John Coughlan Returning To Being A Doctor

4 February 2004

Dr John Coughlan returning to being a doctor

Dr John Coughlan has today announced that he will be leaving his post as General Manager of Hospital & Health Services for Capital & Coast District Health Board.

Dr Coughlan worked in clinical medicine until 1986. He moved into hospital management after completing an MBA at the University of Otago, and an MPH (Masters of Public Health) at Harvard University - which he undertook after winning a Harkness Fellowship from the Commonwealth Fund of New York.

"I had already been working in hospital management for 10 years by the time I came to Capital & Coast in 2001," Dr Coughlan says.

"I've enjoyed my hospital management roles. But there are times in anyone's career when you feel like a change of scene, and this is one of those times.

"For some time now I've thought about going back to practicing medicine as a GP. I believe my decision to do this will allow me to continue contributing to the improvement of health in this district, but in a different way.

Capital & Coast DHB chief executive Margot Mains says she was saddened to learn of Dr Coughlan's decision, but that she wishes him every success for the future.

"It has been a great pleasure working with him since 2001. John Coughlan is a committed and compassionate person, who has done an excellent job as our General Manager. I am confident that he will continue to put his considerable skills and expertise to good use in the primary sector in the years ahead.

"We are very sad to be losing John. But at the end of the day he has made the decision which he feels is right for himself and his family." Margot Mains says.

Dr Coughlan's resignation takes effect from mid-March.

C&C DHB has commenced the process of seeking candidates to fill the role he leaves vacant.

ENDS

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