‘Everything but the Medicine’ A doctor’s Tale, From Book to Stage

In the intimate downstairs theatre at the Embassy, on a bustling Thursday evening in Poneke, friends, colleagues, and whānau gathered to celebrate the launch of ‘Everything but the Medicine, A Doctor’s Tale’, a memoir by Ora Toa GP, Dr Lucy O’Hagan.

Committing ten years to writing a book is no small feat. But bringing it to life with humour and heart, and presenting it to a packed house, is very inspiring.

Dr Lucy has been a practising GP with Ora Toa Cannons Creek for around five years, and we’ve valued every moment of her mahi. She opened the evening by acknowledging those who have supported her journey offering a mihi to Nicola Legat, Publisher at Massey University Press, Barbara Fountain at NZ Doctor, artist Lizzie Yates who created the book cover image, her colleagues, and everyone who helped bring the book and evening to life.

The launch shone a light on the challenges of being a GP, navigating processes, checklists, and systems that don’t always reflect the realities of how people present, while also honouring cultural differences and the importance of relationships in healthcare. The evening was light-hearted, captivating, and full of humour.

The book itself stands as a testament to Dr Lucy’s journey as a GP and her dedication to healthcare. While many of us are yet to read it, we are certain it will be equally engaging and insightful.

Dr Lucy hails from Te Wai Pounamu and now lives in Waikanae. Before joining Ora Toa, she worked for 20 years in Wānaka and 4 years Dunedin. She comes from a whānau of 5 siblings and has 3 tamāriki.

Dr Lucy is currently on a book tour, her next local event is in Otāki on Sunday 16 November at 3pm. RSVP to otaki@booksandco.co.nz, koha is welcome.

We also look forward to welcoming Dr Lucy to the Rūnanga to share her book with our kaimahi once she returns from her tour. We will keep you updated.