IWD - Dr Kate Kearney

Q: What originally inspired you to choose this profession?

A: I was inspired to pursue medicine after working with NICU intensivists and oncologists at the Mercy Hospital as a pharmacy student. It became clear that the scope of pharmacy practice did not fit my desired impact. In my time as a medical student, I learned from a number of amazing cardiologists, especially?pediatric?and adult congenital heart disease cardiologists. During my cardiology training, the transplant and heart failure patients and cardiologists helped me?realize?that by marrying these two interests, I had the opportunity to impact most upon young people with inborn heart problems who deserve to have?every chance at a productive and meaningful life free from disabling heart failure.?

?

Q: What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge for the next generation of women in medicine in Australia?

A: Women are graduating from medical school in record?numbers. In my specialty, there is still a male predominance, although I hope to see that improve as more and more trainees are female. I aspire to see more women in positions of responsibility in hospitals, departments and institutions, as well as in the healthcare business area. The biggest challenge to this is availability and take?out?of opportunity for leadership at junior levels, and I hope to facilitate opportunity and encourage my colleagues to take up opportunities offered to them as much as?I?can.

?

Q: What structural barriers do women face in medicine which their men counterparts might not even be aware of? And how could we overcome them?

A: As you?might expect, women come in packages as men do. Structural barriers to women’s participation can be varied - for some it is access to childcare, familial and partner support, cultural expectation in the workplace or the home, for?others it is a presumption of these expectation, or that women have less proficiency at procedural roles or don’t?have the work ethic of their male counterparts.?

?

Q: Which woman has inspired you the most?

A: I find most inspiration from witnessing great people doing great things, so many of these are people who have impacted me personally.?It is difficult to name one! Dr Suzanne Eshoo and Dr Preeti Choudhary encouraged me to?pursue?physician and cardiology training. As a?physician trainee, Prof Annemarie Hennessy helped me?realize?I could be a physician. Prof Anne Keogh taught me to interrogate the research myself, and to ask questions of anyone. A/Prof Kavitha Muthiah and A/Prof Rachael Cordina support and inspire me in my fields of practice. Prof Rosanna Capualinga helped me gain?confidence and skills in my advocacy and board roles through her support. Many of my male colleagues and seniors have provided?invaluable support as well.

?

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received??

A: When given a choice,?always?choose new and different experiences.

?

Q: How did you gain your confidence to take on leadership roles in medicine?

A: Confidence came from the support of those who know me and through process of practicing medicine and leadership within that sphere.

Q: What’s the greatest risk you have taken from a career perspective?

A: I’ve always taken the path not yet charted, at least in a small way. I want to address gaps in care, rather than emulate someone else’s path. I love a challenge that desperately needs solving.

?

Q: What energises you the most?

A: Finding challenges?that require?solving.

Q: How do you unplug from work?

A: Time with family, in as much nature and space as possible.

?

Q: How do you manage work and home life.?

A: I can only thank the world’s greatest support system, my husband.

?

Q: Where are you going for your next holiday?

A: Canada!