Why are you interested in paediatrics?
When I was younger I worked as a swimming instructor and really enjoyed working with children. My mother was a nurse, which inspired me to work in medicine and ever since I was a young child I wanted to work in paediatrics.
I really liked the idea of working in a career that is based on providing kindness and compassion to others. It is very rewarding to be able to help children and improve their quality of life.
What do you enjoy about working at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals?
While I have only recently joined the hospital, I have enjoyed working here since day one. Everyone has a great sense of vision and are committed to providing the highest care to patients.
What makes the team you lead special?
Our 12-bed paediatric unit treats infants and children up to 16 years of age and the multidiscipline team includes highly specialised doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, who work closely together to ensure the best possible care for our young patients.
We are mindful that our patients come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and aim to support the child as well as the family as part of our holistic care.
We also work closely with Princess Margaret Hospital to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
What path led you to your current role?
Originally I completed my paediatric training at Sydney Children’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne where I was appointed Chief Resident Medical Officer in my final year as a trainee before completing a fellowship in general paediatrics.
I then completed a second fellowship in adolescent medicine before working as a paediatric specialist at the two children’s hospitals in Sydney before moving to Perth.
My dad worked in senior roles in the business sector, which encouraged me to take up leadership roles, including this one as Head of Department.
I also have a keen interest in helping junior medical staff develop and medical education, as I think it is important to train the next generation of doctors.
