Staff
In this section:
Practice History
Our Practice has a long history. We all share the belief that the satisfaction of Family Medicine comes from continuity of care, looking after people over long periods of time. The Practice has now been in existence for nearly 50 years. It was founded at the end of the Second World War in Morton St, Georgetown. It changed hands several times until Dr John Vercoe took over the practice in 1981. The new surgery buildings were opened at 82 Elles Road in 1994.
Dr Steve Brown joined the practice at the beginning of 1995.
Dr Jane Chalmers has worked part time with us since the early 1990's.
Doctors
Dr John Vercoe MBChB Dip Anaesthetics Dip Obs FRNZCGP.
I was born in Dunedin and grew up around Wyndham and Gore.
I trained in Medicine at the University of Otago. After 3 years Overseas Experience and two years further training returned to Southland to take up practice in 1981. My basic medical degree comes from the University of Otago with post graduate diplomas in Anaesthetics and Obstetrics, as well as holding a Fellowship of the Royal NZ College of General Practice.
I am married and have 4 daughters.
I enjoy maintaining our 13acres, tramping, sailing, travelling, motorbiking & anything that gets the wind in your face!
Dr Steve Brown MBChB Dip Obs BSc (Otago) FRNZCGP
Steve was born and received his schooling in Invercargill.
His basic medical degree comes from the University of Otago. He has a post graduate Diploma in Obstetrics also from the University of Otago.
He is a full Fellow of the Royal NZ College of General Practice.
He is the currently the deputy chair of Te Ara Kewa Ltd our Primary Health organisation.
Away from medicine Steve's interests are his family, home, gardens, digital photography, boating, diving and fishing. He has shares in a 15m launch based at Bluff from which he explores Southern New Zealand.
Dr Jane Chalmers MBChB MRCGP DRCOG
Jane was born in Scotland and trained at the University of Aberdeen.
She emigrated to NZ in 1987. Her Post Graduate qualifications include a Diploma in Obstetrics and she has additional training in Family Planning. Jane has a membership of the UK College of General Practice.
She is married with 2 children.
Dr Amy Mullen
Amy Mullen is American trained and is certified as a Family Medicine Physician and Surgeon in the State of California. She has been living and working in New Zealand with her husband for the past 2 1/2 years. She has additional experience and training in Sports Medicine, Pre-hospital and Wilderness Medicine. Amy enjoys mountain biking, surfing, tramping, road biking, kayaking, sailing and other outdoor pursuits. She and her husband enjoy world travel and culture. Her husband enjoys wildlife photography and fly-fishing in his free time. Her goal is to continue to provide the high quality care that you are used to receiving from the team at Vercoe and Brown.
Nurses
Evelyne Adamson - Registered Nurse
I am Passionate about my job as a practice nurse, 26 years with this practice. I have 3 adult children and Grandma to 5; Olivia, Ainslee Riley Benjamin, and Charlie.
Past provincial netball player and umpire, but now enjoy gardening, travel, a keen Bridge player, and leisure marching.
Brenda Sinclair - Registered Nurse
Hi, My name is Brenda. I am one of the Practice Nurses. I have been with Vercoe Brown Associates since early 2002. I am employed part time. I have just completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing through Massey University and have decided that I like studying so much that I am returning to study towards a Master of Nursing focusing on Primary Health, I have a real passion for this area.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my Husband, family and friends. I also enjoy fishing, camping and walking.
Mental Health
Jos Clarke – Brief Mental Health Project Clinican
Jos is an experienced mental health clinician who is working with us part time, funded via the Southland DHB to provide community based mental health support. She provides free mental health services. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team and help provide more comprehensive care “in house”.
Andrea Winter - Clinical Assistant
Hi I am Andrea. I am what you call a true Southlander, I was born and raised here in Invercargill and remained here ever since. Since entering the workforce I have worked in administrative roles. My previous employment included 8 years as a receptionist and office manager for Medical laboratory. More recently I worked as an assistant to the vet nurse in a local veterinary clinic. I have recently joined the team here as a clinical assistant. I am married and have a 9 month old son and a 14y old stepdaughter. In my spare time I enjoy walking and a variety of handcrafts.
Reception and Administration
Diane Edwards - Receptionist
Hi. I was born in Dunedin but consider myself a Southlander as I have lived here most of my life. I love this part of the country because of its wonderful forests, lakes and coastline.
After moving to the city fifteen years ago I have worked in various roles within the healthcare industry whilst studying toward my NZIM certificate in Management. I have now found my niche here with the friendly team at Vercoe & Brown. I am married and have two adult daughters. My interests include gardening, boating, fishing and going to the gym.
Bev Rabbidge - Receptionist
I am a local. My family farm a sheep and beef property at Glenham. After a lifelong involvement in the Glenham School as a secretary and teacher aide it was time for a new challenge.
With a background in nursing, I trained as a registered General and Obstetric nurse at Southland Hospital, I saw the opportunity to work at Vercoe Brown and Associates as a welcome opportunity to be part of the medical profession again.
I like to support and encourage my 2 sons and daughter in their academic, sporting and extracurricular pursuits. When it time to relax I spend time with friends and family. A daily walk or cycle for personal fitness and enjoyment is a must.
Sue Vercoe
Hello. My part in the running of the surgery includes quite a bit of administration work and running the Exercise & Nutrition Clinic. I work on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday, through till we finish at about 8pm.
I have a degree from Otago University in Home Science (Now Consumer & Applied Science) and have done further study in teaching adults and in Exercise & Nutrition.
I really enjoy my Nutrition and Exercise Clinic. I am responsible for the Green Prescriptions (exercise prescriptions) for the Surgery. Doctors refer patients who are keen to lose weight, or have medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure & high blood fats.
Juliet Brown - Admin / Nursing
We came to Southland in 1988 for a year - and we are still here. Southland has been a great place to live and bring up our children. I have an administrative and support role in the practice doing behind the scenes management stuff. My background is as a Registered General and Obstetric nurse with special interest was with Mothers and their young children. After registering I worked on the wards for a year or so, then went back to the books, gained my Plunket Nurse qualifications, subsequently a certificate in Early Childhood Learning and development through Massey. I worked for the Plunket Society for over 20 years, the highlight was being involved with the establishment of and running the Plunket Family Unit in South Dunedin.
We have 2 daughters.
My interests are family, friends, church, gym and travel.