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.