Our story
While our name Willis Medical may be new, our team has been practicing from 191a Willis Street for many years. Let us tell you more about our story.
The short story: Why Willis Medical?
Willis Medical has been a long time in the making. In fact, our predecessors had considered this name in the past, but business changes in early 2024 meant we needed a new practice name in short order, and Willis Medical just felt right.
On digging deeper into the history of our street, we found that the Willis precinct was traditionally Wellington’s equivalent of London’s Harley Street, and home to a number of historical doctors’ houses, consulting rooms and hospitals. (Source: Wellington City Heritage).
We are honoured to be able to continue this tradition.
The long story: Who is Willis Medical?
In March 2024, Drs Tim McLeod, Monika Vieregg and Tony Jenks (all formerly of City GPs), became the owners of Willis Medical.
Dr Tim McLeod started working from our Willis St location in 2014 after taking over the practice of retiring GP Dr Chris Kalderimis, who had started his practice way back in 1979.
Dr Tony Jenks came on the scene in 2018, after taking over the practice of Dr Tim Cookson, who had started his practice in 1987 and left to further pursue his career with the Medical Protection Society.
Dr Monika Vieregg too became a practice owner when she bought Dr Tony McNaughton’s practice in 2020, after working here for several years as an associate.
The Willis Medical doctors have also had the pleasure of working alongside long-standing and respected GPs and now retired practice owners, Dr Sarah Sawrey, Dr Lesley Rothwell and Dr Clare O’Brien, at our Willis St premises.
And that’s just our more recent history!
We can trace our origins back to the early 1930s when a Doctors’ clinic was established in Lower Boulcott Street. The clinic relocated to Invincible House in 1959, before finally settling into our present location at 191a Willis Street in 1985. A number of highly regarded doctors have been involved in the evolution of the practices over this time.
With our historic 100-year milestone approaching, we are mindful of honouring our heritage, while looking forward to our future as Willis Medical.
He rā anō ki tua
A new day is ahead
With Warm Regards, Drs Tim McLeod, Monika Vieregg, and Tony Jenks.
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