Conversations Antarctica, Kiribati and outback Australia — the adventures of a GP doctor
Dec 2, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gillian Deakin shares her remarkable journey as a GP who has ventured to places like Antarctica, Kiribati, and outback Australia. She reflects on her unconventional career path, stepping away from desk jobs to make a difference. Dr. Deakin delves into the complexities of functional illnesses—symptoms that defy diagnosis—and discusses the critical role of empathy in patient care. Her stories offer a fascinating glimpse into her experiences in diverse cultures and the profound impact of personal connection in medicine.
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Childhood near Taronga Zoo
- Gillian Deakin grew up near Taronga Zoo and could hear lions roaring at night.
- Her brothers would sneak into the zoo, running through the bison exhibit to collect bottles for money.
Mother's Tragic Upbringing
- Gillian Deakin's mother had a difficult upbringing, losing her own mother to suicide at a young age.
- Her father later also died by suicide when Gillian was a young mother.
Mother's Wartime Experiences
- During World War II, Gillian Deakin's mother volunteered in the Navy, tracking ships on a map.
- She also encountered US sailors in Sydney who would try to charm her with stories about their supposed virginity.