Dr Shingai Garutsa has just started at the clinic in recent weeks and says she is 'in love' with the community and her new job.

"The people in Leeton are so nice, me and my family have just fallen into place here, we love it," Dr Garutsa said.

After immigrating from Zimbabwe with her husband and three children in February, Dr Gatutsa lived in Melbourne for a short period of time, moving to settle permanently in Leeton.

And with a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zimbabwe, Dr Garutsa is tremendous new asset to Leeton, joining the ranks of other medical professionals who support the health and wellbeing of residents in the Leeton Shire.

"My qualifications from Zimbabwe have been transferred over by the Australian Medical Council after I completed exams to ensure my knowledge and training from Zimbabwe was on par with what is expected from Australian doctors," Dr Garutsa said.

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After graduating university in 2007, Dr Garutsa worked in obstetrics and gynaecology before starting work as a general practitioner in 2012, a specialisation that she told The Irrigator better suited her growing family.

"Once my children were born I moved to become a general practitioner because it is more family friendly, with good hours," Dr Garutsa said.

"But I am open in the future to sub specialising again, time will only tell."

According to Dr Garutsa, the experience had been 'wonderful so far'.

"The people, the patients, the clinic, everything is so wonderful," Dr Garutsa said.

" I am very happy to have the opportunity to work here at the Leeton Family Clinic and was fortunate to meet Dr Tatiana Pavlovskaya, she is very knowledgeable and has been guiding me through my first few weeks."

In the future, Dr Garutsa has dreams of joining a fellowship program to further pursue her career as a general practitioner but for now she is enjoying her new position and a new town to call home.

"I love spending time with my children, and supporting people with their health concerns," Dr Garutsa said.

"This position is exciting and I will always make sure I am reading up on everything and anything I can so I know how best to help my patients."

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