We are pleased to welcome Dr Robert Harris (he/him) to our team. He trained in London, UK and qualified in 2007, and after completing his specialist training in General Practice, decided to move to Australia in 2014. He is accepting new patients and it is our pleasure to introduce him to you.


What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?‍

My father was a paramedic and in my young eyes about as close to a real life superhero as it is possible to be. In school I excelled in sciences and maths and a career in medicine seemed like the perfect combination of solving complex problems and using those skills to make a difference in people’s lives. 

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What areas of medicine are you most passionate about and why do you find them particularly meaningful?

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I enjoy the variety of General Practice; from acute paediatrics to managing complex chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and asthma all in a day’s work. I find mental health a really important and rewarding challenge. It’s very satisfying to help someone in psychological distress get back on their feet. Gastrointestinal health is another topic I find interesting with a lot of new emerging evidence on the importance of the microbiome and the gut-brain connection. 

Could you share a memorable patient story that has had a significant impact on your approach to patient care?

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Just last week I had a Telehealth appointment with a mum seeking advice on her 8 week old baby with symptoms of a head cold. It sounded mild but I asked her to come into the surgery for assessment in person because she was so young. On examination it was clear this was a child in respiratory distress who needed oxygen and a 000 call to convey to hospital. Telehealth has been a useful tool since COVID-19 but it is important to examine a patient in person if there is any doubt. This was reminder to trust my clinical instincts. 

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Outside of your medical practice, what are your interests and hobbies? How do they complement your work as a doctor, or do they provide a necessary balance to your professional life?

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I enjoy keeping fit and healthy by running around Centennial Park most days and strength training at Hiscoes gym in Surry Hills. Skiing is my favourite holiday activity. I head to the snow a few times every year, and look forward to my first time skiing in Japan in February. I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy playing in the Emerald City Kickball League on Sundays at Rushcutter’s Bay Park. I volunteer on the Mardi Gras medical support team which is a nice way to give back to my community. 

 

Dr Harris is available Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

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