FROM MANY MOONS AGO

20 July 2023

Being where we are located our clinic sees patients from all different cultural backgrounds, communities, gender preferences, socioeconomic backgrounds, disabilities etc. I consider this a privilege and an educational opportunity because there is always a lot to learn.

I am acutely aware the kind of medicine that suits one may not be the same for another.

Some of you already know but my parents arrived in Australia exactly 20years ago with two very exhausted children. Their journey started in Kerala, Southern India and traversed across Kenya, Lesotho and South Africa before planting roots in Australia. They lived through periods of uncertainty, apartheid, financial and political unrest. Amidst all of this their resolve was strong and they never failed to expose us to different perspectives and cultures, to them we are eternally grateful! In Australia before and during my medical training I have formed incredible friendships with people from all sorts of backgrounds that have taught me about varying health perspectives and cultural norms. All of this translates to the consulting room and has defined who I am.

What is considered an optional/alternative test in one country may be the norm in another. What is considered mandatory health check in one group of patients may be optional for another. There are a wide range of practices: western medicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, alternative therapies etc. In one the focus may be identify the disease and rid the body of it and all its symptoms. In another the focus may be to be more aware of one’s body, nutrition and various energies. 

Whatever the health concern the idea is not just to be mainstream. The idea is to achieve a balance  of it all with you at the focus of it as a person and not the illness. I don’t have all the tools and this is where I rely on my colleagues to integrate safe practices to guide you on this journey to wellness. 

So who decides the kind of healthcare you choose and receive? You should!

(Throwback pic of my lovely parents from where it all started in Kenya. Happy 20yrs Australioan anniversary mom and dad!)