I first studied a diploma in remedial therapies and then travelled for many years. When I finally went back to university, I did a degree in International Relations with a triple major including French and diplomacy, by an MBBS and an advanced certificate in skin cancer medicine. Since graduating in 2014 I have worked at Tweed Hospital, and currently work at a general practice in Brunswick Heads and also with a house call service attending urgent cases after-hours on the Gold Coast. I am excited to say that I have accepted a part-time position with Dr Sandra Cabot at her clinic in Sydney. My professional interests have come to include gut health, atopy, aesthetics and healthy aging.

My health journey. Before my medical degree, I waxed and waned in the interest I took in health and wellbeing. After all, youth compensated for health issues I had brewing! There were clues if I had known to pay attention… I suffered moderate asthma and hayfever from infancy, but was told it was “genetic” (read: “unchangeable”) and accepted it as part of my life. As a slim young adult, I took no notice of my diet and 10 years ago I suffered helicobactor pylori infection needing 2(!) rounds of triple antibiotics. My gut has not been the same since and I was given the diagnosis of IBS. I had a few episodes of clinical depression in my 20s and early 30s which I thought befell everyone at some stage. The final straw was discovering polycystic ovaries and presumed endometriosis when investigated for infertility issues in my mid-30s. My brain and heart told me there were possible connections but certainly there was more to learn and research.

Understanding and modifying my diet has been an eye-opener and is incredibly hard in this day and age! I am still constantly learning new things about my gut! I was introduced to the paleo diet and intermittent fasting about 5 years ago and although these work for ME, I don’t prescribe any one particular diet, simply because everyone is different and I accept that socio-economic and motivational factors play a part. It is about expectation management and finding a balance that you can realistically live with.

My father owns a stem cell laboratory and therefore regenerative aesthetics and healthy aging research is an aspect of medicine I enjoy immensely. I have a growing interest and healthy respect for the gut biome and what this means for metabolism, mental health and nutritional status. Increasingly, I am researching the but/ face/ mouth biome and aesthetics.

I now practice medicine with more heart and I believe the first thing us doctors can do better is listen. A good therapeutic relationship involves understanding your hopes, fears and goals. I am realistic, but hopeful. Even though there are no magic pills and quick fixes, I find lifestyle and diet modification, and judicious use of pharmacotherapies means ownership and understanding YOUR health- which is far more fulfilling. Sometimes a small tweak in what you do day-to-day can make all the difference, sometimes a drug to sort out your high blood pressure is exactly what you need at that point in your life, but there is always better (even if it is just truly understanding your medications!)

Likely you already have a GP whom I hope you have a successful and happy relationship with! Whilst I cannot fulfil that role I am here to meet your medical needs within the context of integrative and holistic medicine. Therefore, to book an appointment with me, you need to provide the details of your GP. I look forward to meeting you!