Dr John Love: a legacy of care, compassion, and commitment at St John of God Subiaco Hospital

14 May 2025

His departure marks the end of an era for a family legacy that has spanned generations, all with one common thread - a deep commitment to women’s health and maternity care.

Dr Love has been a valued member of the hospital community since 2000. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Dr Clem Love, and his grandfather, Dr John Love, both of whom were also esteemed obstetricians at St John of God Subiaco Hospital. His mother, a respected specialist gynaecologist at King Edward Memorial Hospital, further cemented the family’s deep ties to the field. 

For Dr Love, medicine was more than a career, it was a way to continue his family’s legacy, connecting him to a rich history of service and a community he holds dear.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Love shared, “I’ve been delivering babies at Subiaco Hospital for 25 years and it has been fantastic. I’ve always appreciated my colleagues and staff, the hospital’s countless other departments and caregivers, and most importantly, the families and the babies. I cherish the joy of family.”

His dedication to providing high quality care is evident in his comprehensive approach, whether it’s obstetrics, gynaecology, or fertility. A fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FRANZCOG), Dr Love has stayed abreast of medical advances, ensuring that his practice has remained relevant over the years through continuing education. 

From delivering babies, to his work in fertility and IVF, he has had a profound impact on many families, some of whom he has cared for across multiple generations.

Dr Love said that one of the most poignant memories of his career comes from a very special delivery that signified the depth of his family's connection to obstetrics. 

“I have a photo on my board of my dad assisting me in a twin delivery, where my father delivered the mother. The patient flew home from America to have the twins at Subiaco Hospital, and I delivered them via C-section with my dad assisting,” he said.

“It’s moments like this that stay with you forever.”

Dr Love's legacy isn’t just shaped by his skill and expertise but also by the relationships he’s built over the years. His long-standing team of staff, including Secretary Joyce Bateman, Midwife Deidre Foster and Practice Manager Cathy Fitch, who have worked alongside him for more than 20 years, speaks to the strong sense of community and camaraderie that has defined his career. Dr Love acknowledges the importance of these relationships. 

“It’s all about your colleagues and other departments. It’s not just me, it’s the whole team, the intensive care unit, the physiotherapists, the nurses and midwives. We’ve really created something special here at this wonderful hospital,” he said.

Throughout his career, Dr Love has had the privilege of witnessing the growth of countless families. He commented that one particularly memorable moment was when a woman, who had entrusted him with the delivery of all seven of her children, tearfully expressed how much she valued the continuity of care. 

“She burst into tears and said, ‘You’re my family now. I’ve been coming here for 13 years. The girls on your team are my best friends!’.” 

“These moments, where deep bonds of trust and friendship are forged, are what I’ll miss the most. You get terrific feedback and the secondary rewards are wonderful. It makes you feel like you’re really contributing.”

As he prepares for the next chapter in his life, Dr Love looks forward to continuing his work in gynaecology and IVF, while also assisting his colleagues with ongoing obstetric care, particularly in caesarean sections. 

He shared, “My colleagues will continue to pick up the care of my patients. I’m excited for what comes next, but it’s always hard to say goodbye to something that’s been so rewarding.”

Dr John Love and his father, Dr Clem Love, holding a portrait of Dr Clem Love's father John, highlighting the three generations of obstetricians.

As Dr Love prepares for retirement, he is confident that his patients will continue to receive the highest level of care. His practice at the Perth O&G Clinic at St John of God Subiaco Hospital will be carried on by his esteemed colleagues, including Dr Alisha McCreery, who joined the clinic in 2022, and Dr Chantelle Ruoss, a new addition to the team with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics. Both doctors share Dr Love’s commitment to women’s health, ensuring the clinic’s legacy of care and compassion will continue to thrive.

“The hospital is well-equipped and staffed to continue delivering safe, high-quality maternity services to families. I have complete confidence in my colleagues and the entire team. The future of maternity care here is bright, and I know that the community will continue to receive the excellent care it deserves.”

As Dr Love steps into the next phase of his life, the St John of God Subiaco Hospital community will forever be grateful for his contributions to the hospital and to the enduring legacy of care he leaves behind.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery added that she was very grateful to Dr Love for his many exceptional years of service.

"Dr Love has been an integral part of our community for over two decades. His skills and expertise, along with his dedication to the families he has cared for and his deep connection to the legacy of this hospital, will leave a lasting impact," she said.

Dr Love’s message as he retires is simple. “It’s all about family. Cherish the moments you have, especially with those little ones. They’re the future and we have the incredible privilege of playing a part in bringing them into the world. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey and made it so rewarding.”