Specialist Paediatric Anaesthetist | Professional Coach | Advocate for Doctors' Well-being

With over three decades of experience, I am a specialist paediatric anaesthetist, professional coach, and proud mother of three, now embarking on the joyful journey of grandmotherhood.

I attended medical school at the University of Melbourne in the 1980s and completed anaesthesia training in the 1990s, primarily in Australia, with a formative fellowship year in Boston, at the Boston Childrens’ Hospital.  From the outset of my career, I aspired to be both a doctor and a mother—an ambition that was rare at a time when few female role models pursued both paths successfully.

The early years of balancing parenthood with anaesthesia training were particularly challenging. My consultant career began amidst the chaos of raising young children and managing a demanding workload, leaving little room for anything else. At times, it felt nearly impossible to keep everything in motion.

Initially, my health and vitality suffered, but I gradually discovered the importance of self-care. Learning to prioritise my well-being transformed me into a more compassionate clinician and a more present parent. Through experience, I realised that taking care of myself was not indulgent but essential for delivering my best to both patients and loved ones.

Throughout my journey, I made mistakes and gained valuable insights that have deepened my understanding of personal and professional balance. I came to appreciate the need for time to reflect, explore what truly matters, and make purposeful decisions. At times, I could have definitely used time and space for myself, to explore what I wanted, view things from a different perspective, and to make more intentional choices in my career.

A recent addition to my professional toolkit is my qualification in coaching. This new skill aligns with my passion for well-being and development and enables me to support healthcare professionals on their journey to thrive in every area of life.

In this next phase of my career, I am committed to giving back to the medical community by championing coaching as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Coaching has long been embraced in other professions, and I believe it should become a standard part of professional development in medicine, helping the next generation of doctors to flourish.