Anne Smith was working in a leading stockbroker’s office as an administrator when she made a historic decision to become a practice manager for Dr Bruce Shepherd. Over the next 42 years, Anne ensured that the administration required to drive Dr Shepherd’s multiple activities, both clinical and medico-political, was always available 24/7. There is no one who is more committed and talented in all aspects of administration than the lady with a quiet voice and warm smile who is respected and admired by all who know her.
In the words of her boss, Dr Bruce Shepherd, ‘No one person has given more of her time so generously, so effectively, for the preservation of quality independent medicine. Besides her work as my Practice Manager she has used her boundless energy and her skills to keep so many balls in the air at one time that one can only marvel.’
Few practice managers have had the privilege of having a black-tie dinner held by Orthopaedic Surgeons in their honour. Her corporate knowledge, energy, integrity, loyalty and selfless sacrifice will be forever appreciated, respected and admired by all who have come into contact with the most remarkable back-room operator in Australian medicine. It is fitting that Anne’s achievements be recognised with the awarding of a Bruce Shepherd Medal for outstanding service to independent medicine.