KIDS ARE AWESOME. THEY ARE USUALLY SO POSITIVE AND MOTIVATED TO GET BETTER. THEY LOVE HAVING FUN AND THERE WOULD PATIENTS DOESN’T PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. When did you know you wanted to be a paediatrician? Before I studied medicine I worked as a physiotherapist at a large children’s hospital, so there was always a good chance that I would become a paediatrician. During my first two years as a doctor I noticed in my emergency terms that I much preferred to see the kids than the adults, so I asked for some paediatric terms and it all fell into place from there. How long have you been doing this? I started my paediatric training in 2007 and finished my specialist training at the end of 2012. I’ve been working the last four years as a consultant paediatrician at Pindara Private Hospital. Tell us about the teaching you do? I love teaching, and I find that most doctors, nurses and allied health are very receptive to learning about looking after sick kids. In addition to teaching at education events, I also teach medical students and junior medical staff in the public health care system. I also instruct on the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course, which teaches doctors and senior nurses how to resuscitate and stabilise critically unwell children. If you weren't a paediatrician, what would you be doing? Possibly a professional stuntman, though my lack of hand-eye coordination might end my career prematurely. What brought you to the Gold Coast? I am originally from Queanbeyan, just outside of Canberra and studied in Sydney before doing my junior years in Canberra. I eventually ended up on the Gold Coast by chance. I came here for six months in my last year of training, loved it and was lucky enough to have an opportunity to work here at Pindara. RARELY BE A DAY WHERE ONE OF MY Special interests: • Endocrine disorders • Renal conditions • Neurological conditions • Neonatology • All aspects of general paediatrics DR SCOTT BLUNDELL What do you like best about working at the hospital? The staff are the best thing about working at Pindara. Not only is everyone very professional, they are all friendly and caring towards their patients. It’s a genuine community. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start out in this field? It’s a long road, but nothing worth doing was ever easy. What do you like to do in your spare time? Since coming to the Gold Coast I’ve really gotten back into fitness. I go regularly to a boot camp and do a few obstacle course races a year. I did my first marathon last year and am currently training for a half marathon on the Great Wall of China in May. I’m also a rabid supporter of the mighty Canberra Raiders and love coffee. What do you like the most about living on the Gold Coast? The outdoors lifestyle. You can go to the beach before work and wear shorts all year round. What more do you want? pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 27
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Ten
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