‘It’s an amazing privilege’: Country doctor retires after 36 years serving South West communities

A well-respected Bunbury doctor has hung up his stethoscope after more than 30 years of helping South West residents. Last month saw Michael Comparti celebrate his final day at Doctor Foster and Associates as he said stepped away from medicine and into retirement. The familiar face has touched the lives of many in the community while serving as their doctor, and now he is looking forward to remaining an active member of Bunbury’s social scene. After spending a year in South Africa learning obstetrics and experiencing a broad spectrum of medicine, Dr Comparti moved to Donnybrook in 1985 and worked as a general practitioner for 14 years after falling in love with the close-knit community. “I had the chance to get on top of their health issues and help see them all the way through, which you don’t always get to do in a city setting.” He then moved to Bunbury and has not looked back. “It’s such a wonderful community and a welcoming practice,” he said. Over 36 years, Dr Comparti has dealt with highs of delivering babies and the terrible lows of losing patients, but a passion for medicine and helping those around him kept him going through it all. “It’s an amazing privilege to be let into people’s lives and so special to be able to get to know them, that’s the real privilege,” he said. “My favourite memories are all tied up with delivering babies. “It’s such a special experience, and then they bring the babies back to you for check ups and you become a part of that world. “You almost become a grandpa figure to your patients.” The former WA Rural Health Excellence Awards winner now plans to enjoy retirement by spending time with friends, caravanning and flying his plane.