Dr Dave Gunn

Get to know Dr Dave

Name: Dr David Gunn
Qualifications: MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRACGP
Home Town: Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Current Location: Lennox Head, NSW
Favourite Food: Indian Curries
Favourite Band: The Tragically Hip
Favourite Movie: The Big Lebowski

Could you share a personal story or experience that inspired you to become a doctor?
I grew up watching my dad as an emergency room doctor and country GP. When I was young, I had lots of ideas about why I wanted to be a doctor and what the job would be like, most of these have changed over the decades. 

I went through periods during my training in my early career where I thought I had made a huge mistake. But I count myself lucky that as I have gotten older, I have found my groove and I love being a doctor. The hard years and the hard work have taught me a lot, and the better I get at this job, the more my patients give me back.

What were some pivotal moments during your education or training that shaped your current approach to medicine?
My early career was working in an emergency room in a rural town in Canada. During those years we were prescribing a lot of opioids and I saw firsthand what these drugs do people when they're not prescribed properly. A friend of mine convinced me to start a methadone clinic with him in our hospital. It was here that I began to learn more about mental health and substance use disorders.


Beyond your formal education, are there any additional learning experiences or continuing education pursuits that have influenced your medical practice?
As I started my career in Canada, it has always been possible for me to help patients access medical cannabis. Opening my mind to cannabis as a medication led me down a path of questioning each drug that I prescribe to my patients. I believe that all treatments need to be personalised to the patient and their current situation and that every medication needs to be carefully assessed for potential harms and benefits.

How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field?
I'm very active in providing education to other physicians, particularly with regard to mental health and substance use. This keeps me on my toes and forces me to stay up to date.

Can you discuss a particular area of interest within your specialty that you are passionate about and explain why it matters to you and your patients?
I love reducing patients’ medications. It's a natural side effect of being chronically unwell in a busy medical system to end up on lots of medications. I really enjoy finding the simplest treatment plan possible.

In what ways do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of each patient?
I try to meet people where they currently are. I have my opinions about what a healthy life looks like, but I certainly don't have all the answers, so I try to figure out what a patient wants to do and then I do my best to get them there.

Can you describe how a new patient can start their journey with you? What steps should they expect?:
I think they should just arrive ready to have an open conversation. There is nothing to be nervous about and it's impossible to do it wrong. I will do my best to understand them and give them the best advice I can.

Are there any achievements or projects in your career that you are particularly proud of? How do they reflect your commitment to your field and your patients?
I'm proud of being asked to present to other doctors about how I manage my patients. I have developed these concepts over almost 20 years of lots of trial and error and hard work. It feels good that other doctors value them.

Have you received any feedback or testimonials from patients that have been especially meaningful to you?
After giving up working in the emergency room I wondered if I would have the same satisfaction treating chronic illnesses as I did treating emergencies. I've been pleasantly surprised by how meaningful it has been to watch patients turn around many years of suffering and gradually return to a better quality of life. 

“I really enjoy finding the simplest treatment plan possible.”

- Dr Dave

Book in With Dr Dave Gunn

Internationally-trained GP/ED physician, with work experience all over Australia. Seeing patients through Mode Healthcare in Ballina NSW, Goonellabah NSW and Australia-wide via Telehealth.

Dr Dave’s most frequently asked questions.

  • Dr Dave is a specialist GP (MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRACGP), and an Approved Prescriber of multiple scheduled drugs. Our Doctors are open-minded and prescribe multiple medications for eligible patients, this includes medicinal cannabis therapies if deemed suitable during a consultation.

    To find out if this treatment is suitable for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with us, or book an initial appointment to discuss treatment goals and suitability with the Doctor directly.

    To learn more about eligibility requirements, safety and clinical information please read the TGA website here.

  • At Mode, we prioritise your safety and well-being. Rest assured that all medications prescribed by our clinicians have been approved for use in Australia and are commonly prescribed by GPs and local pharmacies.

    However, in accordance with Australian Therapeutic Goods regulations, we are unable to disclose the specific names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with one of our Mode practitioners and have been approved for treatment.

    This process ensures that a qualified medical professional thoroughly discusses all available options with you, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your medical treatments. Your health and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us, and we strive to provide the highest level of care and guidance throughout your journey towards optimal well-being.

  • In compliance with the regulations set forth by Australian Therapeutic Goods, we kindly ask that you complete a consultation with one of our Mode practitioners before we can disclose the specific names of our treatments.

    This precautionary measure is in place to prioritise your safety and ensure that you can discuss all available options with a qualified medical professional.

    All Mode practitioners specialise in multiple treatments new to Australia and can advise on the best pathway for your individual needs.

  • All patients who visit Mode are eligible for treatment. However, some specific treatments require certain eligibility to ensure safety and compliance with Australian Laws.

    Your Mode doctor will guide you through this process an options directly with you in a consultation.

    If you have any questions, please contact the team before you book to understand the pathways available to you.