I am a Sydney girl who graduated in Medicine from the University of Sydney in 1980, then did some postgraduate training in pathology. It is about 20 years since I used a stethoscope or examined a patient, but what I do is to diagnose disease in the lab and to teach medical students at the University of NSW how to use lab tests to diagnose disease.

The picture shows me in my exclusive designer lab gown, made by me and my Mum, decorated with all sorts of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Professionally speaking, microbes are my thing, but I am interested in all sorts of other health issues, including mental health and size issues in health care.

Personally, I enjoy fiddling with computers, although I seem to spend more time “fixing” than actually doing things. I am passionate about cats and share my home with a sweet tabby and a larrikin Spotted Mist. I also enjoy swimming, body surfing, sewing, fashion, cooking, and listening to rock ‘n’ roll. Political and social issues get me stirred and I’m always up for a good debate.

I was quite slim until my early 30s. A bit of genetic predisposition began to blossom in me when I started taking huge amounts of various prescription drugs. I doubled in size quite rapidly despite a reasonable diet and lots of swimming, tennis and bushwalking. Although I still take the drugs, I think I am now in full bloom as my size seems pretty stable. I gave up weighing myself some time ago, because I found that no amount of staring at that dial would make it go anti-clockwise.

My column, “Big Issues”, which I hope to produce approximately monthly, will focus mainly on health-related topics. This includes how the health professionals deal or do not deal with size issues, some discussion of physical fitness and healthy weight management, caring for our health, updates on the latest research and a look at obesity “treatments” and quackery. We may also examine some psychosocial and political issues and take in a bit of leisure and self-pampering.

All opinions expressed are my personal ones. They do not necessarily represent those of other health professionals or anyone involved with the publication of this website. I welcome feedback, questions and suggestions. Contact me: [email protected].

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