What do you think makes a great doctor?
When I was 14 and visiting family in Sri Lanka, I contracted dengue fever for the second time and was in ICU for a month. I vividly remember the compassion of a particular doctor. She saved my life with expert medical care and genuine compassion. I realised that being a doctor is not just about treating illness, but about humanity. This experience inspired me to pursue medicine, and to strive to ensure that every patient feels they are in the hands of someone who is not only clinically skilled but also truly committed to their wellbeing.
What inspired you to pursue obstetrics and gynaecology?
My interest in women’s health began on the third day of my O&G placement in medical school. I was scrubbed in for a C-section and trying to stay out of the way. After the consultant made the incision, he guided my hands and supported me to deliver the baby. I felt the baby take his first breath in my hands – air filling his lungs – and the father, who was also in the room, looked overjoyed and began to cry. It was such a powerful moment. After that experience, I immersed myself in women’s health research, advocacy and education. It’s an incredibly rewarding area of medicine.
What’s your take on culturally safe care in women’s health?
We see significant disparities in women’s health, particularly for Indigenous women, migrant women and those in rural and remote areas. Culturally safe care respects and acknowledges each patient’s cultural identity, values, and needs and ensures they feel understood, valued and supported. This requires continuous education for clinicians, actively listening to community voices, and fostering an environment where patients receive care aligned with their cultural beliefs.
What advice do you have for 2026 interns?
This year will be challenging, no doubt, but remember you are not alone. Lean on the seniors and other interns around you – we all remember what it was like starting out and the steep learning curve. Be forgiving with yourself, give yourself time to adjust, and prioritise looking after your own wellbeing. Take each day as an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and grow. Amid the long hours and tough moments, try to enjoy the small wins and the incredible learning experiences – these are the moments that will shape you into the doctor you aspire to be.
Dr Keeth Mayakaduwage is an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Resident Medical Officer at Monash Health, an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of O&G at Monash University, Research and Evaluation Coordinator in the Safer Birthing Centre of Excellence at Monash Health, and AMA Victoria Doctors in Training Council Representative.