Each month Krystal Burt finds out what makes our Staff special, this month it's one of our newest Doctors - Dr Shashi Ponraja
What inspired you to become a doctor?
Its a vocation that requires scientific curiosity, creativity, and an opportunity to bear witness to and alleviate a patient’s suffering.
What do you know now, that you wished you knew before becoming a GP?
Patients know when they are unwell, trust what they say
Why did you decide to work in a private practice?
I am given greater control over my schedule, which means I can spend more time with people who come to see me.
What days to you work, do you have set roster or does it change?
Currently I work 9am-3pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
If you could work as a doctor anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Australia. Its home.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests outside of work?
I’m the biggest Michael Jackson fan :) I also enjoy working with computers in my spare time.
What's the best piece of advice you have received?
We’re only human
Desert island 3 books?
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, a 4 part trilogy
Mathematics for the Nonmathematician by Morris Kline
Best part of your job?
Follow-up appointments when the patient looks a lot better
Worst part of your job?
Reaching the limits of what I can do for a patient
Favourite holiday destination?
Malaysia / Singapore. Great food, lots to do and see, and shopping. That, or Mongolia – uninspiring food, lots to do and see, no shopping.
Are you more a hunter or gatherer?
Gatherer. I like pawing through junk and trying to organize it.
What’s your favourite ’90s jam?
Black or White
What are your areas of interest in medicine, and why?
Chronic disease and mental health, no idea why
What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
I Am Legend. I had put off watching it because of the scene with the dog!
Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
Batman, no contest. Before the battle had even begun he would have already analysed Spiderman’s weaknesses.
If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Next Episode by Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg