Going the distance

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Registrar, Dr Amanda Wee, is passionate about providing women with the women-centred care that they need. 

“I've always been interested in women's health,” Amanda said. “I just knew that I wanted to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.” 

Dr Wee has travelled across Queensland doing obstetrics and gynaecology specialty training in metropolitan, regional and rural centres.  

After completing an impactful third-year clinical placement in Townsville, Dr Wee who is currently in her final year of training, has returned to Townsville to complete a two-year advanced gynaecology fellowship. 

“Since I got on the training pathway, I've had to move around the state quite a bit,” she said.  “I came to Townsville for my third year, and I really enjoyed my time here. I got to work with such good surgeons, they just really inspired me to come back again.  

"I think the reason why they were so inspiring for me was because they were all great role models who took pride in their work, and provided women with the women-centred care that they need, and that is my real passion.” 

Amanda said, that she couldn’t pass on the opportunity to work alongside and learn from the experienced supervisors at TUH. 

“When I had the opportunity, I applied and interviewed for a job at TUH, and very luckily got offered the job,” she said. “Now, I've come back up here to do a two-year advanced laparoscopic gynaecology fellowship. The team here in Townsville are extremely skilled with difficult endometriosis and other endoscopic surgeries. I want to get that skill and be able to perform those surgeries one day. It’s a good experience learning how the bosses perform surgery, and what tips and tricks they have. That's why I wanted to come back up here.” 

“I think also it's a combination of the fact that we're doing tertiary level things in a hospital that's not as big, and everyone knows each other. It's like a small hospital feel but you're doing a lot of the big stuff that you'd be doing at the metropolitan centres.” 

Amanda said, training in a supportive environment makes all the difference.  

“The department is really good in the sense that you're very supported as a trainee,” she said. 

“They also allow you to gain your independence under their supervision and let you do what they think is appropriate for your level, which is something you might not get everywhere.” 

One of the things Amanda loves about being an O&G registrar is the variety of work and treating diverse medical presentations.  

“I love my job,” she said. “It’s very rewarding. I can’t wait to go to work every day. O&G is an extremely unique specialty where you get to do medicine, do surgeries, have patient continuity of care, and you get the thrill of dealing with emergency situations. It’s basically medicine all in one.” 

Working at a hospital that is well-staffed is the key to having a good work-life balance, Dr Wee said.  

“I think it really depends on how well-staffed your unit is,” she said. “We're lucky enough that the unit is well staffed this year, which makes my work-life balance pretty good. I get to leave on time and get home when it’s daylight to see my husband and dog, which is so nice.” 

Amanda is settling back into the laidback Northern Queensland lifestyle and is spoilt for choice finding things to do and places to explore during her downtime. 

“There's always things to do on the weekends,” she said. “I love doing nice walks and hikes. Exploring the Far North Queensland surrounds. We’re pretty spoilt for choice with Castle Hill, Magnetic Island and everywhere in between here and Cairns.”