Dr John Moran

AM, MBBS, FACRRM, FAICD

The founding partner of Cabarita Beach Medical Centre, Dr John Moran AM announced his retirement from clinical practice in 2022. John first came to Murwillumbah in 1983 with his wife Robyn and 2 very young children and 2 more on the way. He was granted Visiting Medical Officer status at Murwillumbah Hospital and commenced his work soon after (1983). At the time John had visiting rights in Surgery, Medicine, Emergency Medicine Obstetrics and Paediatrics. Within a short time, he was appointed as Director of Accident and Emergency Department (1984), a position that he filled with distinction for over 20 years.

Meanwhile a large block of land on King Street had been purchased and the building had commenced of a medical centre, which was completed and opened in (1984). Original partners were Dr John Moran, Dr Michael Beattie, and Dr Alan Secombe with Dr Robyn Yabsley also commencing consulting. Dr Moran soon developed a large practice with his excellent clinical skills, dedication to his patients and ability to communicate and relate to all people being highly valued by the community. Above helping individual patients John has always had a passion for medical education of the next generation of rural clinicians and for improving outcomes from the system through administration and corporate leadership.
John has been a general practitioner in Murwillumbah for more than 38 years. He served as a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Murwillumbah District Hospital 1983-2022; as Director Accident and Emergency Murwillumbah District Hospital 1984-2004; as a Medical Superintendent Murwillumbah District Hospital; and he was a Government Medical Officer. He has a special interest in rural medicine, undergraduate medical education and has been an advocate for palliative patients, being instrumental in establishing the palliative care program at Murwillumbah District Hospital.
John was Associate Professor Medicine Clinical, University of Wollongong (UOW) (from 2017) and
was Clinical Senior Lecturer/Regional Academic Leader UOW (2005-2017); Assistant Professor Bond University (2006-Current); Clinical Sub Dean University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney
(2005-2020); and Senior Lecturer and Supervisor University of Sydney (2003-2008). Supervisor and Mentor in rural private general practice for junior and senior general practice registrars and medical students, 25+ years with RACGP and ACRRM (NCGPT and GP Synergy training consortiums).
John was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his service to medicine in NSW, health administration, education and to the community. John received a Humanitarian Bravery Award from the NSW Government (1994) and was recognised twice for medical contributions by the NSW Premiers Award (2004, 2011). In 2005 he was awarded for Services to Rural Medicine by the Rural Doctors Network.
John’s Volunteer services included being director of medical services for Queensland Junior Rugby Union for 15 years as team doctor for the Australian team at the World Transplant Games for 10 years. John was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in 2015 (Current). John served as a Board member, North Coast GP Training (15 years) and North Coast Primary Health Network (5+ years).
Together with other members at King Street Medical Centre, John has been integral in the building of a new hospital at Namooga in The Solomons Island which is now staffed and servicing the local community.
Dr John Moran’s career has been a long and diverse one. He has shown great compassion and clinical skill to several generations of our local community and educated and motivated many of the medical community of the Northern Rivers .