About me
I graduated from Queensland University in 1986 and spent the first two years of my medical career at the Townsville General Hospital. I then travelled for a year through Asia and Europe before returning to Australia and The Redcliffe Hospital where I worked for two years. During this time I completed a Diploma in Obstetrics. I worked for one year in general practice in Brisbane, successfully passed the exam to become a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and returned to the UK and Ireland for two years.
I returned to Townsville with a husband and baby in 1995 and have worked here in general practice , primarily at The Annandale Medical Centre, until 2006.
I have always felt passionate about preventative health care and lifestyle medicine. I found in general practice, due to the overwhelming pressure of time, that the focus was on treating the outcome of chronic diseases such as obesity, rather than treating the cause. I also found that there was little evidence based assistance for patients wanting to address their weight specifically or their lifestyle in general.
In 2006 I established Medical Weight Management so that I could provide an evidence based, individual service to patients wanting assistance in managing their weight and developing a sustainable lifestyle for a healthier future. Depending on the patients needs, I often work with a psychologist , exercise physiologist and dietitian.
For me, the change in focus has been very rewarding.
In addition, I am involved in a team with Dr Peter Bovey ( Bariatric Surgeon) to provide care for patients who are considering or have had weight loss surgery.
I am a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as well as the Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association.
Outside of medicine , I hope one day to complete a diploma of Visual Art at TAFE. I love to cook and enjoy exercise in many forms, primarily cycling and walking. I have three school aged children.
I believe in making the most of life.