THE heart and soul of the Dubbo Osteoporosis and Epidemiology Study (DOES) has announced she will retire after 24 years in the role of nurse manager.
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Janet Watters will officially clock off on December 31, however the countless hours of work she has put into the program will not be lost as DOES continues to help researchers worldwide find the answers to osteoporosis.
DOES is the world's longest-running large scale study of osteoporotic fractures in men and women.
Generations of Dubbo families have participated in DOES and they have all been carefully looked after throughout the process by Ms Watters.
Ms Watters singled out the interaction she has had with people who are doing the study as one of the main things that gave her enjoyment in the job.
"The people I deal with on a day-to-day basis really make this job special," she said.
"No day is the same, there is continually another challenge, but it's the wonderful clients who just want to help find the answers to osteoporosis.
"They are the real highlight of this job, and I will miss them all."
Ms Watters is looking forward to the next chapter of her life, which will see her travel and see much more of Australia.
"I have two kids who live overseas so I have seen plenty of America and Europe," she said.
"My husband and I will be taking the motorhome on weekly and monthly trips to see parts of this country we have never been and I am really looking forward to it."
Following Ms Watters' departure, DOES will continue with Jodie Martin taking the reigns.
Ms Martin worked with Ms Watters for three years before leaving in 2007 to start a family and is confident in the job she will do.
"I am so happy and confident leaving Jodie in charge," she said.
"She will take the study to another level, and will continue to bring passion and commitment to the job."
