LONG-TERM residents may remember Dr Nicholas Kemp, who was the principal doctor at Barkly Medical Centre for 15 years.
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He relocated to South East Queensland in 2006 and retrained in a specialist field of medicine known as phlebology.
The change of direction came about after Dr Kemp underwent surgical stripping of his varicose veins in 1987, only to have them return within a few years.
This disappointing failure of the surgery prompted him to explore modern developments in the treatment of varicose veins.
He then discovered the benefits of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT).
These state-of-the-art techniques offer many advantages beyond traditional forms of treatment and are performed as 'walk-in, walk-out' procedures, allowing patients to return to their normal duties with minimal discomfort.
Since gaining his Certificate in Sclerotherapy and a Graduate Certificate in Medical Sonography from the University of Sydney, Dr Kemp moved to Brisbane to set up his new clinic; The Leg Vein Doctor in Toowong.
He recalls his time in Mount Isa fondly.
"I really miss Mount Isa, I had a great home," Dr Kemp said.
"I loved the glorious heat, there's nothing like it, I also miss the bird life and the colour of the sky in winter," he said.
Despite only opening his new cinic's doors in August, he has already treated some Mount Isa locals that managed to track him down.
When asked what it was like to see some familiar faces from the past, Dr Kemp said "It has been great, I have been able to offer treatment for people who have been suffering for years with spider and varicose veins and at the same time I have been able to catch up on what has been happening in Mount Isa."
And there is lots to catch up on, with many of the babies he delivered now finishing school.
Although Dr Kemp misses Mount Isa and the friends he made here, these days he has a lot to keep him busy.
Alongside his studies and managing the new business, he also has Cordelia and Harriet, his two young daughters, complimented by his badly behaved dogs, Boston and Chester, to keep him busy.