First point of contact

When did you first know you wanted to be a doctor?

It all began when I started watching ER. Everything the doctors said and did looked so fascinating and impactful. Math never quite made sense to me – I could never understand how people came up with those equations. But the sciences? They just clicked. In high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an elderly care home and several orphanages, and helping others gave me a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose. It was that feeling of making a real difference that ultimately inspired me to become a doctor.

Why did you join the AMA (WA)?

As doctors, I believe we all need support throughout our career stages. Whether it’s for ourselves or our colleagues, having a strong network and a reliable advocate is essential. The AMA (WA) is a vital organisation that offers this support while advocating for the interests of doctors from all backgrounds, and at every stage of their professional journey.

Why did you join the AMA (WA) Council?

We need strong representation and a collective professional voice in the community. As an international medical graduate (IMG) in Australia, I saw two options: either stay on the sidelines, unaware and dissatisfied with the lack of representation; or step up and lead by example. I chose the latter. I’ve always believed in staying informed, asking questions, and finding ways to create meaningful change. Joining the council was a natural extension of my values, and it gave me the opportunity to take on a leadership role, advocate for IMGs, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

Why did you choose your specialty?

The most compelling reason was the opportunity to care for people at their most vulnerable. I enjoy being the first point of contact, working to understand what brought someone in, and determining how best to help them. No two shifts are the same; I enjoy the variety and the unpredictability. I’m drawn by the broad skill set it demands – from managing critically unwell patients to supporting those who simply need reassurance or guidance. I also value the sense of closure at the end of each shift, knowing my patients are in good hands and I can fully reset before the next day.

What was the biggest challenge facing you as an IMG?

A big challenge was deciding on my training pathway. When I finished medical school, I was certain I wanted to be a surgeon. However, arriving in Australia marked a new phase in my life. Adapting to a different healthcare system, managing unfamiliar disease profiles, and adjusting to new ways of working made me re-evaluate my career direction. 

During a one-month observational stint in Clare Valley, I discovered a genuine interest in rural general practice. At the same time, I was drawn to psychiatry, and also enjoyed emergency medicine. It was a learning curve, and it took time to reflect and determine which path aligned best with my skills, interests and values. 

What would you tell an IMG looking to enter the WA health system?  

My advice would be to take the initiative to understand your entitlements thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to both IMG and non-IMG support teams – they are there to help. Get involved in discussions and forums to stay informed about current issues and the progress being made within our community. Most importantly, never be afraid to speak up – your voice matters. 

What medical advances are having the greatest impact on your practice?  

One area that has had the greatest impact on my clinical practice is pain management. I’ve learnt the importance of setting realistic expectations with patients and finding the right balance between effective relief and avoiding long-term dependence on analgesics. I recognise that not all pain requires pharmacological intervention. In many cases, education and thorough counselling are far more effective. Helping patients understand their condition, and guiding them towards appropriate follow-up with the right specialty, empowers them and reduces unnecessary ED representations. This approach has enhanced both the quality of care I provide and long-term patient outcomes.

What’s the first issue you would tackle if you were WA Minister for Health? 

While there are many pressing issues within the Australian healthcare system, addressing critical staffing shortages, particularly in EDs, should be a top priority. One actionable solution is to streamline and increase transparency in the pathway for IMGs to join the Australian workforce. Currently, the process for IMGs to navigate the system is opaque and burdened by bureaucratic obstacles, which contributes to burnout and demoralisation among otherwise competent doctors. Improving this process would not only alleviate staffing pressures, but also enhance the quality of healthcare outcomes for the general public.

Are there any heroes or mentors who have guided your path?  

It all started with Dr Lisa Beament, Dr James McLennan, and my friend Sophie, who introduced me to rural general practice in Australia through an observership in Clare Valley, South Australia. There was Dr Salam Hussain at SCGH Psychiatry who helped me understand the Australian hospital system when I arrived in WA. Dr Krishna and his wife at Murdoch who helped me secure my very first job in Australia. The consultants at Midland ED, and particularly Dr Mary-Ann, who went above and beyond in mentoring me. 

On a personal level – my parents and in-laws who’ve shown me how to balance work and family with grace and perseverance. My husband, Dr Karun Krishnan, and my siblings, who have always been my pillars of strength with their encouragement and belief in me – both professionally and personally.

How do you spend and prioritise your time away from medicine?

I love cooking, and food has always been my comfort zone. We have a beautiful and sassy daughter, a playful puppy, and a close-knit group of friends who feel like family. On our days off, we try to plan family trips – though they often end up being more chaotic than relaxing! We also enjoy discovering new restaurants and cafés, or simply having cosy movie nights at home with a specially curated menu for the evening.

What’s your ideal holiday destination? 

That would be my home in Kochi, Kerala. I grew up next to the serene backwaters, surrounded by the comforting, delicious food of my childhood. It’s the perfect place to unwind and offers a bit of everything – beautiful beaches, hillside resorts, vibrant city life, and endless shopping. And, of course, one of the biggest perks: around-the-clock babysitting from doting grandparents, aunties and uncles!

What’s the one life lesson you will always remember?

Never rely solely on someone else’s word – always do your own due diligence and research. Make informed decisions based on what aligns with your goals, values, and what’s best for you and your family. Remember, someone else’s path may not be the right one for you. It’s your responsibility to ensure that anyone offering guidance has the credibility and experience to do so.