Dr Lily Liu joins the Ormiston Medical Team

When Dr Lily Liu agreed to join the Ormiston Team, we knew our community would share in our delight. Dr Daniel Calder explains why Dr Lily is such an asset to our Auckland patients.

Welcoming Dr Lily Liu to our General Practitioner team

Bringing fantastic General Practitioners to South Auckland is a top priority for Ormiston Medical. So when we met Dr Lily Hanxin Liu (affectionately known as Dr Lily) it was clear she was the perfect fit. What makes Dr Lily Liu special is her attitude. From the moment you meet her, it’s clear she has a genuine care for all people. Whether she expresses it in the thoughtful way she treats elderly and dementia patients or how she supports her wider team of healthcare professionals.

A Chinese speaking doctor (who has also worked as a nurse!)

When Dr Lily Liu arrived in Auckland from China, she didn’t rest on her laurels while she finished her NZ qualifications. Despite many years as a practising doctor in China, Dr Lily thought outside the square and became a Registered Nurse in the interim. Unperturbed about changing rolls for a while, she rolled up her sleeves and hit the wards. “Time on the hospital wards attending patients for Orthopedic conditions, renal transplants and dermatology conditions was fascinating.  I got a different perspective as a nurse. That’s something I carry with me in my General Practice role. Nurses work so hard and have genuine empathy and care. So now, I feel an extra connection with nursing teams. I’ll always be one of them, too.” says Dr Lily. Soon enough, she became a medical doctor in NZ and headed off to Palmerston North Hospital as a House Officer. Next, Dr Lily worked for 8 years in Auckland Whangarei and then returned to General Practice in Botany. “It was back to life as a GP, but the nurse is still there.” Says Dr Lily.

Living back in Auckland, Dr Lily loves the diversity of the Ormiston location. As a Chinese speaking doctor, she says it’s nice to be able to make healthcare accessible to those who find it easier to speak in Chinese. “When people can use their first language, the conversation is often easier. Having the Ormiston website translated into Chinese is really helpful for many people too.”, Says Dr Lily. 

Your family doctor who especially supports elderly patients with chronic conditions (including treating Dementia) 

One of the outstanding traits of Dr Lily Liu  as a GP is her thoughtful approach to the elderly community of patients. Having worked in three rest homes, Dr Lily became a firm favourite amongst residents. As a doctor in the Dementia units, it was important to have real patience with the people she was treating.  “Everyone was so lovely in the rest homes I worked in as a doctor. Firstly, it was nice to see the elderly patients treated so nicely and with such respect. And in turn, you felt a connection, in the moment, with them. As a Chinese speaking doctor, sometimes it felt like being home, having a conversation at another place in time.” When asked about her interest in elderly patients, it’s clear Dr Lily has a soft spot. “You learn as you get older the value of youth – or feeling young. It’s my job to give everyone the best quality of life for as long as I can. Whether that’s by helping with Advanced Care Plans; a gentle approach to minor surgery; or Palliative care, we need to look after not only the patient but also for their family. Everyone needs support.”

A highly knowledgeable doctor for female health (including cervical health and immunology)

A graduate of the prestigious Xi’an Medical University, Dr Lily Liu flew through her GP studies. She finished with a Master’s Degree majoring in Macrobiology and Immunology. “Studying immunology in the ’90s was especially exciting, and I was fascinated by the work I did on Cervical Cancer. Back then, we were connecting the dots between Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since then, especially in recognising the importance of vaccination. I’m so proud to have been involved at the beginning of that movement. In 2023, cervical screening will be heavily promoted in NZ and self-screening available. But I will be encouraging my patients to have a proper cervix check too. That’s because cervix health is an important part of a female’s health picture.”

Enrol online with Dr Lily Liu today

Ready for 2023, you can now enrol with Dr Lily via our handy online enrolment form. A true General Practitioner, you’ll also find that Dr Lily is particularly good with with skin services for dermatology need.

Naturally, she will have limited places on her list, so don’t delay. Simply drop us a note on email following your enrolment to let us know that Dr Liu is your preferred GP. Whether you need a Chinese speaking doctor, are an elderly person or have a loved one who needs support, you’ll find Dr Lily to be an amazing support.

“I’m so excited to become a part of the Ormiston Medical team and continue my work in the Flat Bush area. Joining at the same time as my wonderful long-term colleague Dr Jing Dong is an added bonus.”

 Start your enrolment today with Dr Lily Liu as your new General Practitioner today.