Q & A with Dr Sophia Knoblanche
WHERE BACK WITH A NEW BLOG POST AND A NEW Q & A.
Q. Why did you choose the Gold Coast to live, work and raise your family?
I grew up here and was always excited to return here one day with my kids to give them the outdoor lifestyle I was lucky enough to experience!
Q. What drew you to medicine, and then paediatrics?
It was definitely on my mind growing up with a father who is a paediatrician (Dr Pincus!) and I have always been inspired by the passion he has for paediatrics and the privelege of helping our most vulnerable patients.
Q. If you didn’t become a doctor what would you be?
I also love my other job of being a mum! But before medicine I studied political science so I suppose I might have continued in that area.
Q. What do you love most about your job?
Definitely the patients! We are so lucky to work with children! I am inspired by their resilience, joy and sense of fun every day.
Q. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
At the beach, or anywhere outside!
Q. Do you have children or pets of your own?
Two boys aged 2 and 4
Q. What are you looking forward to this year?
Experiencing more of the Gold Coast!
Q. What tips have helped you keep fit with a busy job and a young family?
Luckily our children are happiest outside so that keeps us pretty active! Also I love running and am inspired by my sisters podcast Cheeky Run Club!
Q. Last book you read?
I love reading and have just finished the epic fantasty Mistborn
which was hard to put down!
Q. Favourite family outing/activity?
We love the beach when its warm, or a walk at Mt Tamborine
when its cooler
Q. What is your secret skill?
I am a quick reader and read 1-2 books a week
Q. What’s your favourite children’s book or movie?
Growing up I loved reading fantasy - especially Harry Potter and Phillip Pullman,
I can't wait for my children to be able to read these as well.
Q. Do you prefer the rainforest hinterland or the beach?
Depends on the weather!
Q. If you could change anything in Australia for today’s children, what would it be?
Probably more time outside
Q. Can you share a memorable moment from your career?
Working in retrievals and travelling around the state via plane and helicopter to help our littlest patients, partially memorable from the experiences and partially from the motion sickness which wasn't helped by pregnancy!
Q. What’s a fun fact about you that most patients don’t know?
I am a very proud sister of an Olympian!
Q. What advice would you give to first-time parents?
Trust your intuition - you know your child best
Q. How do you help nervous kids feel comfortable at the doctor’s office?
Leading steps is luckily well set up for kids with toys which always helps! Otherwise a bit of silliness never goes astray!
Q. What’s one thing you hope every child takes away from their visits with you?
That they have been brought to an appointment by a parent/ carer that loves them and that that relationship is the most important thing for that child, no matter what else is going on.