Name: Dr Dan and Lauren Caines
Position: Practice owners
Place of work: Atherton Health Hub
Tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like?
Atherton Health Hub was established in late 2023 by myself and my wife Lauren, in response to a clear need for expanded, coordinated health services for the Tablelands region. From its inception, the Hub was designed around a model of multidisciplinary, patient-centred care – bridging the gap between general practice, allied health, and specialist input.
What began with just the two of us has quickly evolved into a vibrant and growing team. We were proud to introduce the first in-clinic pharmacist in Far North Queensland and have since expanded to include multiple GPs, a second pharmacist, and onsite allied health services, including diabetes education, audiometry, and Psychology.
We also support visiting specialist services and maintain close collaborative links with external allied health providers across the Tablelands.
A typical day includes a balance of direct patient care, team collaboration, and ongoing service development. One of the defining features of our model is our commitment to multidisciplinary case conferencing, which enables better communication, shared clinical planning, and ultimately better outcomes for patients with complex needs.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The most rewarding part of our work is the connection with our community. There is a deep sense of purpose in being able to offer high-quality health services locally – services that many patients would otherwise have to travel long distances to access.
We take pride in building a space where patients feel heard, and where practitioners across disciplines can work together to improve health outcomes in a genuinely collaborative environment.
Is there a particular patient story or experience that has stuck with you?
There are many moments that remind us why we chose this path, but one that stands out is seeing how our collaborative model changed the course of care for a patient with complex chronic conditions.
Through multidisciplinary case conferencing, we were able to bring together the GP, pharmacist, diabetes educator, and psychologist to coordinate a comprehensive care plan.
The result wasn’t just improved clinical outcomes – it was a visible change in the patient’s confidence, engagement, and overall wellbeing. It reaffirmed that when we work together, we truly empower people to take control of their health.
We take pride in building a space where patients feel heard, and where practitioners across disciplines can work together to improve health outcomes in a genuinely collaborative environment
Why do you choose to work in a regional, rural, or remote area?
Working in a regional area allows us to have a meaningful impact, not only on individual patients but on the broader community.
Rural general practice offers a unique depth and variety that keeps our work both challenging and fulfilling. There’s also a real sense of connection – with patients, colleagues, and the landscape itself – that you simply don’t find in larger metropolitan centres.
For us, the Atherton Tablelands is not just where we work, it’s where we’ve chosen to raise our family, contribute to our community, and help build a stronger, more resilient rural healthcare system.
What do you like to do outside of work when you are out and about in your community?
Outside of work, we enjoy immersing ourselves in the lifestyle and community of the Tablelands. We live on a small hobby farm and spend time gardening, camping, and fishing with our three children.
One of the things we value most about living here is the ability to bridge the gap between our professional and personal lives – interacting with patients and colleagues not just in clinics, but at local events, markets, and school functions.
There’s a genuine sense of connection and shared purpose that makes being part of this community deeply rewarding.
Is there anything you would like to add?
We’re incredibly proud of what Atherton Health Hub has become in such a short time. Our vision has always been to create a space where innovation, collaboration, and patient-centred care are at the heart of everything we do.
We’re committed to building a model that not only supports our local community but also sets a benchmark for how rural health can be delivered – comprehensively, compassionately, and sustainably.
NQPHN is proud to support health professionals in our region.
Atherton Health Hub
Atherton Health Hub is a progressive general practice committed to delivering integrative, multidisciplinary care for the Atherton Tablelands community. Our collaborative model brings together GPs, pharmacists, allied health, and visiting specialists to improve access and outcomes for all patients.
Health Workforce Spotlight: Brooke Snow
I work as both a General Practice Pharmacist at the Atherton Health Hub and a Project Manager for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), so my days and weeks are varied. If I am in the clinic, I see a variety of patients, which I thoroughly enjoy.