The general practitioner believes the time is right to close the chapter on a long and rewarding medical career which spans 18 months working in Zambia and a stint in paediatrics followed by general practice.

Dr Lucas and his family swapped Sydney for Port Macquarie in 1994 after looking across the coast from Batemans Bay to Noosa Heads.

Port Macquarie was the right fit.

He bought a solo practice in Flynns Beach which took off to such an extent after four years that bigger rooms were needed.

Dr Lucas purchased a vacant block and developed Flynns Beach Medical Centre on Pacific Drive.

The practice continued to grow with more staff and an extension.

Dr Lucas later expanded the practice to open Lachlan Medical Centre as a subsidiary of Flynns Beach Medical Centre.

He sold the practice in 2017 and stayed on as a GP.

And if he could it all over again, Dr Lucas would choose the same career path.

"There is something about giving rather than taking that is inherent in the Lucas family ethos," he said.

Dr Lucas reflected on the rapid growth of Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital, which opened in 1994, attracted many specialists to the town.

"That has been remarkable and it has been exciting to be part of," he said about the burgeoning of the medical community.

"The number of specialties coming just allowed medicine to flourish."

Dr Lucas said there was incredible camaraderie between the doctors in the practice and the patients had been wonderful.

"I'm blown away by the loyalty of the doctors and staff," he said.

"They will remain as personal friends."

Dr Lucas plans to enjoy more travel with his wife Christine and live a quieter life in retirement.

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