VICDOC Autumn 2025 - Magazine - Page 22
BROWN. FEMALE. DOCTOR. IS A MEMOIR
ABOUT MY LIFE GROWING UP IN AUSTRALIA
AND MY JOURNEY INTO MEDICINE.
-
This book offers a personal glimpse into
my journey toward becoming a doctor and,
eventually, a specialist. It’s a reflection on
the diverse experiences that have shaped
my path, including challenges I’ve faced
and milestones I’ve achieved along the
way. Throughout my career, I’ve learned as
much from my patients as they have from
me, so I’ve woven some of their stories
into the narrative to highlight their impact
on my own growth. Another core focus
is the intersectionality of my experience
as a woman in medicine. I want to shed
light on the unique struggles women in
this field face, particularly those who are
underrepresented and overlooked. By
sharing these stories, I hope to amplify the
voices of those who are too often silenced,
offering both insight and inspiration to
others on similar journeys.
I GAVE UP WRITING FOR A TIME WHEN I
ENTERED UNIVERSITY, BUT I WAS DRAWN
BACK TO IT WHEN MY FAMILY AND I WENT
TO AMERICA IN 2020, DURING COVID.
-
In 2020, my husband, a gastroenterologist,
was completing a fellowship at the Mayo
Clinic. Moving to the US during that time
was nothing short of chaotic. Who moves
to America in the middle of a pandemic?
We had two young children, and the whole
experience was incredibly stressful. I wrote
an article for the ABC, along with a few
pieces for The Guardian on topics like
COVID vaccines and related issues. Since
then, I’ve contributed to other newspapers
as well. Looking back, I realise I wanted to
share my own story.
THE REASON I WROTE THE BOOK WAS TO
START A CONVERSATION. IF I RAISE MY VOICE
AND SPEAK, THEN OTHERS MIGHT FEEL
COMFORTABLE TO DO THE SAME.
-
Talking about personal experiences
can be incredibly vulnerable, but these
conversations are essential. Female doctors
face challenges that their male colleagues
often don't, and women of colour
I’m often asked, “Where are you from?”
encounter even more hurdles. I’ve recently
It’s a question I don’t particularly like,
reviewed the Medical Training and Survey
as it subtly suggests that I don’t truly
Report 2024, which highlights that one in
belong, or that I’m somehow out of place. I three doctors have experienced bullying,
identify as an Australian with a Sri Lankan racism, or discrimination due to their
background, so when people ask me this,
background, often from members of their
I simply say, “I’m from Melbourne.” Many
own medical team. We must change these
of my colleagues, who come from a range
statistics. Every doctor, regardless of gender,
of cultural and religious backgrounds, have race, or background, deserves to be treated
experienced similar moments – where their with fairness and respect. It’s time to build
sense of identity or belonging is questioned. a culture where discrimination, bullying,
It doesn’t happen all the time, but when
and racism are no longer tolerated; where
it does, it’s disheartening. For me, and
everyone is recognised for their skills and
for many others, it’s a reminder of how
contributions.
sometimes, despite being deeply rooted in a
place, we’re still seen as different.
I GREW UP HERE IN AUSTRALIA, BUT BASED
ON HOW I LOOK, PEOPLE OFTEN ASSUME
I’M FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
-
22
AMA VI C TO RIA
