The Clinic 279 - formerly known as The Bruce Street Medical Group - was established in 1939 by the late Dr. Alex Swain.  There had been a number of GPs join the clinic over the years, notably Dr. Ian Swain, Dr. John Buchanan, and Dr. Geoff Pearce (all of whom have retired in recent years), and Dr. Kevin Parker.  Dr. Parker left the clinic in 2006.

Dr. Vincent Gallichio joined the clinic in early 2002, having moved from the clinic that he had established in East Ivanhoe 23 years before.  Dr. Gallichio is now the practice principal of The Clinic 279.   He works cooperatively in upgrading and managing the practice with his Practice Manager, Vera Alexander-Smith, and the Business Manager and CEO, Tony Alexander-Smith. They form the Management Team of this practice and have improved standards in numerous areas.  Our clinic is indebted to the skill, hard work and dedication of Vera, as well as to the business expertise and the experience of our C.E.O., Tony Alexander-Smith.  Tony works for a number of other clinics, both General Practice and Specialist Clinics, to provide them with up to date business advice.  This is largely based on The Clinic 279 Model.  

This clinic strives for the highest standards in General Practice and is staffed by dedicated and experienced nursing and administrative staff.  This includes a Chronic Diseases Manager, Women’s Health Nursing Practitioner, a Midwife and Paediatric Nurse, a Wound and Immunisation Provider and 2 Credentialled Diabetes Educators.  

We have been fully computerized for a number of years. For 4 years we have held in-house weekly educational sessions.  The clinic has been accredited by AGPAL and was commended for its level of excellence. It is also very well equipped and new equipment and services are added as time goes on. We have an association with Melbourne and Monash Universities and teaching is a feature of this practice.  Mentoring positions and subsequent GP Registrar positions are also available to prospective GPs, and enquiries about working at The Clinic 279 are always welcome.

Our staff is highly valued. It is also very important to us to maintain a harmonious and a friendly, happy atmosphere in the workplace, with a great team environment.
To complement our change in standard and direction, the name – The Bruce Street Medical Group – has changed to The Clinic 279 in 2007.

Browse our website to find out everything you need to know about our doctors and practice staff, the surgery location and our opening hours and any important announcements.

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