For VP Kyle, it’s swell being a psychiatrist

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

Honestly, I’m not sure. When I was at high school, I wanted to be a mathematics teacher or scientist. I do remember being blown away by the anatomy lab at UWA when I visited there as a school student. I think in the months that followed, I started to see medicine as something I wanted to study.

Why did you join the AMA?

I joined the AMA as a student, because even back then I was passionate about representation and advocacy, having been involved in the Western Australian Medical Students’ Society and other student organisations.

Kite surfing is one of Kyle’s favourite sports.

Why did you join the AMA (WA) Council?

I joined the AMA (WA) Council in 2019. I had been on the DiT Committee and, as a junior consultant, attended a few of the AMA’s meetings about the voluntary assisted dying legislation. I was inspired to join the council and contribute to policy advocacy. Of course, I wasn’t aware a global pandemic was about to begin, so that first year felt like jumping in the deep end!

What would you most like to achieve as a councillor?

Mental health and wellbeing are not just my profession; they are my passion. As a councillor, I would like to work to improve the wellbeing of junior and trainee doctors in WA, as well as advocate for the improvement of our State’s mental health services.

What made you nominate for the Vice President position? What are you looking to achieve in that role?

I nominated for Vice President to gain the opportunity to work in a leadership role to help facilitate the goals of our council. My passion for our profession and colleagues has me wanting to do my part. I’ve been on the AMA (WA) Board for nearly 12 months. In that time, I’ve also seen the challenges we face as an association. I remain committed to helping strengthen the AMA (WA), and the AMA family nationally.

Why did you choose psychiatry?

As a medical student, I was convinced I was going to be an anaesthetist. But somewhere along the journey, I discovered psychiatry and its unique blend of science, psychology, philosophy and art. Although I am a biological leaning psychiatrist, the challenge and privilege of working with people and their complex lives is one that keeps me loving my choice of specialty.

What would you tell a young doctor looking to specialise in psychiatry?

Psychiatry is going through a period of dramatic change. As we understand more of how the brain and body works, our treatments are becoming more sophisticated. Technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, and a move towards digitally enabled care (with the rise of AI in particular), mean that psychiatry, as a profession, offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic and rapidly changing field.

Kyle in the Philippines, teaching transcranial magnetic stimulation to neurologists.

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

Although it may sound clichè, if I were WA Minister for Health, the first issue I would tackle is improving our mental health services. I don’t profess to have the answers, and I know many have tried, but I strongly believe we are at crisis point and that we need innovation in the delivery of mental health care.

How do you spend and prioritise your time away from medicine? I understand kite surfing is a passion.

I do enjoy kite surfing during the windy summer months. I spend most of my time away from medicine with my family. I enjoy coaching my daughter’s basketball team, as well as far too many hobbies of my own including tennis, running, basketball, hockey, walking my dog Chewie, reading, and catching up with friends to play boardgames, etc.

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you be?

If I was taller and actually good at basketball, a professional NBA player! Otherwise, I think I would like to teach at a university or school.

What’s something your parents impressed on you?

As a competitive and sometimes stubborn kid, my parents impressed on me the importance of being measured and balanced in my decisions – in particular, learning to accept I can be wrong. At the same time though, they showed me the strength and value a competitive mindset can offer.

What’s your ideal holiday destination?

Anywhere I can ski!