Dedicated and compassionate doctor, Brian Kearney has announced his retirement after nearly six decades of caring for the sick children of western Sydney.
The 85-year-old started his career in 1962 at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, then known as the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, where his passion for helping the most vulnerable of patients grew.
Over the course of his extensive career, he has also worked at Westmead Hospital and Parramatta Community Health Centre where he provides treatment and diagnosis for children with physical and intellectual disabilities and behavioural issues.
Despite the difficult and complex nature of his work, Dr Kearney said it is a privilege and extremely rewarding to be part of a child’s medical journey.
“When looking after children and watching the miracle of their development, I feel like I am present at the dawn of creation,” he said.
“Knowing that early diagnosis and treatment can allow that child to lead a normal and healthy life is both extraordinary and rewarding.”
Prior to commencing his practice in western Sydney, Dr Kearney worked as a paediatrician in the Civilian Medical Team in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
He reflected that this was an eye-opening opportunity that allowed him to be more grateful for the health care services and resources available in Australia.
“I was the only paediatrician in a 30-bed ward that had two or three children in each bed; a region of about 10 million citizens had only one paediatrician, and that was me,” he said.
“I was caring for children who are more gravely ill than the children we treat in intensive care units at Australian hospitals, and this was life changing.
“I feel honoured that I was able to provide them with adequate help, no matter how little my contribution may have been. My enormous respect for the people of Vietnam endures to this day.”
Dr Kearney said that although sometimes challenging and heartbreaking, he has enjoyed every moment of his rewarding career.
Whilst the 85-year-old said he’s not ready to slow down yet, he plans to use his retirement to spend more time with family.
While no longer a resident of western Sydney, he said his heart will always belong to the west.
“I grew up in Parramatta and have been working here since 1968,” he said.
“They say home is where the heart is and my heart is here.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.