1. Tell us a little about yourself and your professional journey to date. 

I live in Sydney with my husband, a General Surgery Trainee, and our two daughters (2.5 years and 10 weeks). Prior to postgraduate medicine, I completed a combined Economics/Law degree which was useful in providing an understanding of justice, ethics and the complex interaction between human rights, healthcare and the law. I have always been interested in psychiatry and, during medical school, my interest in the mind was fostered through my Honours project which examined the association between glucose, cognition and brain volumes. 

My psychiatry rotation during internship confirmed my passion for engaging with patients and their unique experience of their illness. Whilst I have enjoyed all my rotations during training, I was particularly drawn to my Child & Adolescent terms at Rivendell and Camperdown Child & Adolescent Outreach Service. I am currently on a break in training for maternity leave but am looking forward to commencing my Advanced Training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry when I return. 

2. You recently gave birth to your second child, congratulations! How has the journey of balancing motherhood and training been so far?

It has been busy but extremely fulfilling. I am greatly appreciative of the consultant and trainee parents ahead of me who have paved the way for more flexible work options from which I have benefited. I feel fortunate to have been well supported to balance my training, clinical and family commitments by all my supervisors, training network, the College, and my family. I have been proactively organised to stay on track with assessments and completed the CEQ and the Psychotherapy Written Case write up during my first maternity leave. 

3. What motivated you to choose Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for your advanced training? 

I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of prevention and early intervention. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry focuses on the importance of early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, which allows young people and their families to function to the best of their ability. During my rotations I saw young people move from experiencing significant illness to returning to living fulfilling lives in a relatively short period of time. I am drawn to this unique opportunity to help a young person and their family understand themselves and their needs and assist them in setting up a positive trajectory for the future.

4. You were part of the RANZCP Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) and are currently on the PIF Advisory Group. How has PIF contributed towards your career path?

I joined PIF as a medical student and attended the “Introduction to Psychiatry Short Course”. This course was invaluable in broadening my understanding of psychiatry, different subspecialities and the training pathway. I am now a trainee representative on the PIF Advisory Group and have thoroughly enjoyed contributing towards PIF initiatives that are aimed at promoting psychiatry to medical students and junior doctors. 

5. What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two daughters whether that be at the beach, park or at swimming lessons. When time allows, I enjoy playing tennis, surfing, skiing and pilates. More recently, I have started listening to audiobooks and podcasts whilst on long pram walks with my baby. We also love to travel.