Championing the rights of private practice specialists at the AMA (WA)

Why did you join the AMA (WA) Council?

I was asked to consider joining as the surgical representative four years ago. At the time, I didn’t know we were on the eve of a pandemic, but I felt I had a good grasp of issues affecting surgical practice in both public and private areas, and that I could contribute. I’ve found it very interesting to hear a whole range of views across areas of medicine I don’t normally have much to do with. Our health system is increasingly complicated, and it’s easy to become isolated within your own specialty or interest group. I think the AMA remains very important in representing the interests of the whole profession and our patients.

When did you decide to specialise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, and why?

I always knew I was surgically inclined, but hadn’t really considered plastic surgery until I did a plastics term as a resident at Royal Perth Hospital. I was attracted to the variety of different surgeries within the specialty, and the problem-solving aspects of reconstructive surgery. I liked the fact that plastic surgery involves very precise technical skills, but also an element of creativity. I also like that it’s often about working out what’s important to individual patients, and tailoring surgery to their goals.

What are you most passionate about?

I think Australia has a very good healthcare system, and first and foremost I want to protect that. Inevitably, that means there will need to be some tweaks and changes along the way. From the private practice point of view, I think this is an essential component of efficient health service delivery. There are issues impacting on doctors in private practice being able to deliver excellent healthcare, and on privately insured patients having equity of access to the full breadth of healthcare. For example, the models of funding surgery in the private sector have led to a situation where some procedures are not viable for private hospitals to continue doing, which leads to a situation where both patients and doctors are significantly impacted.

Tell us about yourself outside of work.

When I get the chance, I love to travel. Travelling to Antarctica just before COVID-19 was a bucket-list item. I’m looking forward to going back to Tanzania with Rafiki Surgical Mission in November, and a trip to Japan in January. Other than that, I enjoy music. I sing in a community choir, which I find is a great way of switching off from work.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Often not very well!  My friends and family are pretty used to a sudden change of plans, and generally tolerate it quite well. But I do try and keep up an active social life outside of medicine. I walk with two girlfriends every Saturday, and it is both exercise and a fantastic debrief of the week.

What’s your life mantra? 

Do the best I can, but accept the things that are beyond my control. 

Who or what inspires you?

Lots of people inspire me. In medicine, we’re privileged to see people confront very difficult situations and show enormous strength of character.