After an extraordinary 55 years as a general practitioner, the wonderful, passionate and tireless Dr John Sherman has retired.

John’s career has spanned decades, communities and countless lives. From St Kilda to Footscray and back again to St Kilda at First Step, he provided expert, compassionate and often life-saving care to tens of thousands of people. For many clients, John was not just their doctor but a steady presence over years, sometimes decades, of their lives.

First Step has been a much richer place because of John. Our clients benefited not only from his deep clinical expertise, particularly in alcohol and other drug medicine, but from the way he practised care: with warmth, respect and an unwavering belief in people. The welcome he offered, the advice he gave, the friendly handshake and the calm, non-judgemental presence he brought, even in the most complex and difficult moments, made an enormous difference.

Given the nature of his work, it is impossible to fully measure John’s impact. But it is almost certain that he saved many lives. Beyond that, he helped ease suffering, supported families, kept people connected to work or study, and helped rebuild social connections when they were most fragile. His work rippled far beyond the consultation room.

John’s contribution also shaped First Step itself. His commitment to inclusive, compassionate care aligned deeply with our values and strengthened our practice. He modelled what it means to walk alongside people, meeting them where they are, without judgement and without giving up on them.

Everyone at First Step, along with countless current and former clients, wishes John a rich and rewarding retirement. With his family and friends, his fitness routine, his love of books and his deep curiosity about the world, we suspect there will be very few quiet moments ahead.

Thank you, John, for your decades of care, leadership and humanity. You will be deeply missed, and your legacy will be felt for many years to come.