Q and A with Dr Evan Mitchell

Q. Why did you choose the Gold Coast to live, work and raise your family?

I was born and raised here on the southern Gold Coast. After moving from post to post around Queensland during my Paediatric training, no stop along the way was quite like home. My wife and I have been back on the Gold Coast for 3 years and look forward to raising our children here. Simply, it’s a beautiful place to live with all the opportunity and accessibility without being a capital city.

What drew you to medicine, and then paediatrics? (Was there a moment when you knew paediatrics was right for you?)

Medicine was in my sights from an early age, though wasn’t until studying a bachelor of medical science did I find medicine so fascinating. I knew Paediatrics was for me when I worked in the Paediatric Department at the old Gold Coast Hospital as a junior doctor finding myself enjoying my job a little too much; playing with the patients mainly, but also seeing the complexities and variability of this great specialty.

Best subject at school?

Everything Mathematics, give me algebra before an essay any day.

If you didn’t become a doctor what would you be?

 I’ve always said I’d be a pilot. I guess I could always do both, watch this space!

What tips have helped you keep fit with a busy job and a young family?

Find a sport or exercise modality that you genuinely enjoy (I do CrossFit myself), and you’ll find a way to fit it in amongst the, at times, chaos.

Favourite family outing/activity?

A long walk with my wife, son and dogs (two pugs), with a cafe stopover and dip in the ocean along the way. We also like heading out to the rockpools or on nature walks and heading to one of the wildlife parks is always a good go-to.

What book do you look forward to reading to your child?

 Any Roald Dahl classic, like my parents did to me (I might not have the character’s voices as down pat as my father).

What have you found the biggest challenge with having a new baby?

Parenthood is tough! I think everyone struggles with change, and what a change to your daily routine having a child is. It is so important to look out for each other and know that taking a break is okay.

Do you prefer the rainforest hinterland or the beach?

 By a hair, I’d say the beach. I can’t (try to) surf in the hinterland.

What has been the most significant change/breakthrough in paediatrics in the last few decades?

 It’s very hard to choose one. Firstly, I’m so lucky to work and live in the post-vaccination era. Secondly, awareness of developmental and social communication problems and access to early intervention has improved the quality of life and confidence of so many young people. Lastly, from a massive ultrasound fan, I’d have to say the accessibility of ultrasound and other rapidly advancing medical technologies used in diagnosing and treating conditions is both exciting and ever evolving, and great to be a part of.

If you could change anything in Australia for today’s children, what would it be?

 Somehow make childhood bullying something of the past. Social media is also unfortunately making this big issue even bigger.

What is your secret skill?

I can walk on my hands, and have been known to do so around a clinic room or two!