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A new year often brings new opportunities. It was certainly the case for ANU Medical School alumna, Dr Celine Olivia.

After graduating with a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery at the end of 2020, Dr Olivia started 2021 as an intern at Canberra Hospital. The one-year training program moves her one step closer to obtaining her general registration as a doctor.

“I just finished my first term (12 weeks) in neurology at the hospital,” Dr Olivia enthusiastically explains. “Being part of a multidisciplinary team and learning more about various neurological conditions has been great. It’s an area of medicine that continues to pique my interest.”

“I was fortunate to be under the supervision of Professor Christian Lueck in 2020, during my elective placement in neurology.”

“Working with Professor Lueck and other neurologists, as well as my various encounters with patients, allowed my passion for neurology, and particularly Parkinson’s disease, to grow even stronger. It’s a disease I’ve been interested in since my undergraduate studies.”

“During my elective placement, I learnt so much about managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s including information about various and newer medication options available.”

“My hope is to continue working with Parkinson’s patients as much as possible, which will most probably happen after my internship as patients are generally seen in clinic not in the wards.”

“I have, however, learnt more about the disease and treatments through the Neurology Department educational meetings.”

Even though Dr Olivia will now be focussed on other areas of medicine for the remainder of the year, she is still involved with Parkinson’s ACT, which supported her interest in the subject through the award of the Parkinson’s ACT George Webb Memorial Prize in 2019.

“I was very honoured to be called upon by Parkinson’s ACT to participate in their World Parkinson’s Day event for 2021 in early May. The support groups and activities the organisation runs for those living with the disease, and their carers, is inspiring.”

“I look forward to returning to neurology in the future as part of my career path to becoming a physician. I want to continue to develop my skills and knowledge to care for patients with Parkinson’s disease and potentially become involved in researching ways to further improve the quality of life for these patients.”

“Ultimately, I hope to become a competent and compassionate doctor who provides holistic care to my patients.”