Having helped Canberra families with their health issues for more than 30 years, highly respected paediatrician Dr Paul Jenkins is set to hang up his stethoscope.
After moving to Canberra and commencing work here as a paediatrician in 1984, and being part of the team that developed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Royal Canberra Hospital, Dr Jenkins said one of the most rewarding aspects of being based here is that he could be involved with a child and their parents right from birth at hospital, and look after them from then on.
“In private practice then we had the opportunity to look after that family and their child from then on, so I had kids I looked after from birth right through to 15 or 16.
“I had the privilege of working in a team with such respected paediatricians as Dr A McIntosh, Dr A Crawford and others including the paediatric surgeons,” he said.
Since 2005, Dr Jenkins has developed and run the Paediatric Gastroenterology service at The Canberra Hospital ensuring that families do not have to travel to Sydney for advice.
He moved into his role as Director of Paediatric Education at the ANU School of Medicine to pass down his clinical experience and knowledge to the next generation.
“I got to the stage where I wanted to feel like I was handing on my skills and experience, and that’s what a lot of us do as we go through our careers,” he said.
Being the Director of Paediatric Education has required Dr Jenkins to run many facets of the school’s teaching program, including convincing other very busy doctors to take on casual teaching roles.
As part of the ANU School of Medicine’s Paediatric examination process, they perform simulations of clinical scenarios with real families.
Dr Jenkins said they’re always open to families wanting to volunteer their time to participate, and encouraged prospective volunteers to reach out to the school to express their interest.
To be a part of the ANU School of Medicine Paediatrics examinations contact Education Officer Ruth Petit on 6244 2465.
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