Victoria Atkinson

Victoria Atkinson - Profile

As a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon and an unqualified mother of 1, there are always many ripe and interesting topics on which to muse. Medicine is my occupation but writing and motherhood are my passions, so being able to write about my passions and interests is an incredible buzz.

I currently live in Australia but have worked in heathcare in the USA, Australia and the UK over the years, and one thing is clear no matter the country or the hospital, no one likes to be ill and everyone is scared by the acute loss of control being in hospital brings. I hope that by providing some insight into the workings of a hospital, as well as illnesses and their treatments and the mindset of those treating patients, I can help to make the whole process more transparent. Knowledge of what is going on around you as a patient can bring great confidence and peace of mind.

Whereas I have trained for 20 years in medicine, my journey into motherhood has been more of a 2 year crash course! From pregnancy to breastfeeding to tantrums and sleep deprivation, I have found that the only rule of motherhood is that there are no rules! I began writing of my own experiences and have been writing for Australian parenting magazines 'Practical Parenting' and 'My Child' (mychildmagazine.com.au). I enjoy the feedback from exhausted mothers who may have found a smile or some information amongst my articles.

As one of only 4 female cardiac surgeons in Australia and New Zealand, I have also gleaned some interesting perspectives on being a woman and a mother within the workforce. Sexism can be more occult in the professions but no less venomous.

I hope you enjoy sharing my journey!