Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I went straight from high school into Undergraduate Medicine at Monash University. I loved medicine, but I was young and needed life experience and a break from study. So half way through my course, I took a much-needed break to travel and then worked in all areas of administrative medicine at The Melbourne Clinic (a private psychiatric hospital) which stood me in great stead to see how the medical world ran from behind-the-scenes. One of the first rotations I did when I returned to university was in obstetrics and gynaecology and that’s when I realised how much I truly loved it.
After medical school and my first year as an intern, I moved to the Philippines to work with an organisation called Likhaan Centre for Women’s Health. I worked in disadvantaged communities providing contraceptive and sexual health care and education. Additionally I was involved in working with the health workers and policy makers in assisting with the research and development of the Reproductive Hill Bill which finally passed in 2012: a step towards equity of access to family planning education and services. An incredibly confronting but very rewarding experience.
During my residency at Western Health I did multiple rotations in obstetrics and gynaecology at Sunshine Hospital, and while working there obtained my Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I really enjoyed so many other aspects of medicine including paediatrics, public health and preventative medicine, and decided to apply for the General Practice training program and take my special interest in Women’s Health into that space. Once qualified as a GP, I have done additional training to become an IUD provider and also spent time working in the vulval dermatology clinic at the Mercy Hospital.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on a personal level? (Hobbies / family etc)
I have a strong belief in the importance of work-life balance and have taken that with me through my career. I have a wonderfully supportive husband who shares a passion for accessible and equitable healthcare for all: we have worked and volunteered together over the years, in particular in the Philippines. Together, we are raising a wildly imaginative and outgoing son who never ceases to make us laugh (even on those incredibly tough parenting days). At home we also have the most beautiful rescue dog and a pet turtle, named Jellybean. My son and I share a passion for calisthenics, a sport I have done since a child and now coach and continue to compete as a master. We love to dance and sing and share a joy of putting on a show for anyone who will watch!
What areas of women’s health do you specialise in / what areas are you particularly passionate about?
I am passionate about providing healthcare to any person who requires obstetric and gynaecological services no matter their gender-identity, body size or culture. It is care that makes that person feel supported and heard, no matter the concern. People who require gynaecology services have, for an eternity, been told that they must tolerate symptoms (namely pain and bleeding), or not given adequate education or autonomy in their choices for their own body. I aim to provide a safe space for all humans to have these intimate conversations and support their choices.
My GP background has given me the opportunity and privilege to hear people’s stories and learn about their experiences with healthcare both positive and negative. It has led me to a path where I specialise in menstrual management, contraceptive choices and vulval skin health.
What made you decide to become part of the Maven Centre team?
One of my dearest friends invited me to go and see Six the Musical with her and Sneha (one of the founding members of Maven Centre). While having dinner before the show, she told me all about her and Al’s plans of building a service for women by women. Her passion and excitement for the project was catchy: her values and ethos aligned so perfectly with my own. I love working in General Practice but I was ready for a new adventure. This was just perfect timing. I walked to the theatre with an extra bounce in my step and as the three of us sang along to the bright and energetic music celebrating feminism and the journey it has taken us from the 16th century oppressive and defined gender roles to today’s era, I knew that Maven was the next step in my journey too.
What do you hope to achieve by being a part of Maven Centre?
I am excited to join the incredible team at Maven Centre on this new endeavour in providing patient centred care in a safe space where patients and clinicians alike can feel supported and valued.
Finally, what do you hope patients take away from their interactions with you and the Maven Centre?
I hope for Maven Centre to provide a safe space for all patients to have their voice heard and their medical needs tended to in a way that is kind and inclusive to all.