SIMON ARON SCHNALL 1952-2009
LISA AND TAMMY SCHNALL
DR Simon Schnall, a well-respected and admired family doctor who dedicated his life to helping others, has passed away at the age of 56. He was one of the last of the old-fashioned solo GPs.
Simon was born in 1952 in Australia to Klara and Gershon Schnall, who migrated here after the Holocaust in 1950. His first ­language was Yiddish and he grew up in a traditional Jewish household with a very strong sense of Jewish identity. He always believed in donating and supporting Jewish charities and causes.
Simon’s intellectual abilities earned him a scholarship through Melbourne High. Unfortunately, both his parents passed away when he was just 18 years old, in 1971.
Simon was left to raise his younger brother, Robert, who was 15 years old. Despite his personal hardships, he was awarded a scholarship to study medicine at The University of Melbourne.
In 1976, he graduated with a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degree with honours in medical psychology. Just before graduating, he married Lorraine Leber. They had two daughters and were together for nearly 33 years.
After graduating, Simon worked in various hospitals throughout Melbourne as a trainee for a number of years. In 1980, he was awarded a fellowship in community practice by the Academy of General Practitioners, and in 1982 he became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
He then set up his own practice, Bambra Clinic, in the heart of Caulfield. His wife Lorraine supported him by teaching while he built up the clinic through word of mouth. In those days it was not permissible to advertise.
He initially opened seven days a week and was available at night time for home visits. Over the years, Simon built up a very busy clinic that was providing a service to more than 2000 loyal patients.
Even patients who moved interstate would come back to him for consultations when they were in Melbourne. Bambra Clinic was open for nearly 30 years and in that time, Simon treated multiple generations of patients from the same family.
Simon carried out his practice in a very gracious and humble manner. He believed that everyone should be entitled to free medical care, and as such, he bulk-billed everyone who walked through his door.
He was an outstanding doctor whose brilliant diagnostic skills helped to save countless lives over the years. His patients could always rely on his judgement, care and compassion. He was extremely patient with people and was a very good listener.
These qualities, along with his generous, kind-hearted and thoughtful character, are what made him an exceptional GP and a unique individual. He was totally committed to his patients and was always there for them in their time of need.
His presence will be greatly missed in the community. He is survived by his wife Lorraine and daughters Lisa and Tammy.
Lisa and Tammy Schnall are Dr Simon Schnall’s daughters.
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