My Story My Passion

Key topics

• In this episode: Simran describes moving to Australia from India at age nine, settling in the Blue Mountains, and adjusting to a much smaller family network, limited English, and a very different school culture.
• The South Asian lens on health: She explains why standard nutrition advice often misses the realities of Indian cooking, family habits, and cultural attitudes toward food, especially around diabetes and metabolic disease.
• Why she became a dietitian: Simran shares that her father’s diabetes diagnosis and the lack of clear, culturally relevant guidance at home were major reasons she pursued dietetics.
• Food, culture, and misunderstanding: She talks about how traditional “eat more to show health and prosperity” thinking can contribute to metabolic issues, and why education needs to be tailored to community context.
• The diversity of clinical work: Simran says she loves that her current practice covers gestational diabetes, pediatrics, type 1 diabetes, kidney health, fertility planning, and weight management, unlike the narrower focus of her hospital years.
• The hardest part of private practice: She is candid about Medicare, rebate limits, and the challenge of helping clients see the value of proper dietitian support instead of Google-level advice.
• What keeps her going: Simran says persistence matters in private practice, and that being consistent over time helps build trust with GPs and patients.
• Life outside work: She shares her love of baking, cooking with her three kids, running, CrossFit, Hyrox training, and travel.
• Balance as an evolving process: Simran describes work-life balance as something that changes across life stages, not a fixed formula.
• Advice to her younger self: Her main message is simple - stress less, travel more, and stop putting so much pressure on herself.

Dr. Radha Govind, a newly minted director at Women in Health Network, shares her journey from Chennai to Sydney, the long road to becoming an Australian-registered optometrist, and the niche world of visual electrophysiology. She also opens up about building Menometra, a perimenopause and menopause awareness group helping women find trustworthy information and self-advocate.This conversation is both personal and practical. We discuss migration, professional identity, women’s health, and the importance of staying curious enough to keep reinventing your life.

• Born in Chennai, lived there until age 26, then moved through Chandigarh and Canada before arriving in Australia in 2008 with her husband and four-month-old baby.
• Sydney became home quickly, with Australia feeling welcoming and familiar in a way Canada did not.

• Radha reflects on how the weather, friendships, and sense of belonging made Australia feel like home even before citizenship.
• She describes an easy social integration and a strong feeling of being supported.

• Optometry was always central to her identity, but getting into the profession in Australia was a circuitous process.
• She recently earned registration through the exam pathway.

• Radha now leads the visual electrophysiology clinic at Macquarie University Ophthalmology Practice.
• She explains why she loves the niche, puzzle-solving nature of the work and compares it to being “Dr. House.”

• She is still figuring out whether she wants conventional optometry practice or a more specialized path.
• Meeting people and having conversations is part of how she is navigating the next stage.

• Moving to Australia helped her understand herself better, speak up about what she wants, and experiment without fear.
• She describes unlearning, relearning, and becoming more intentional about her choices.

• Singing and karaoke
• Hiking and family time outdoors
• Weight training, which she loves for how powerful it makes her feel

• After her own perimenopause journey, Radha wanted to help other women talk openly about taboo topics.
• She and a friend started Menomitra, a WhatsApp-based community that grew into a perimenopause and menopause awareness group.

• The group filters out misinformation and prioritizes peer-reviewed, valid information.
• It creates a safe space for women to discuss physical, mental, and emotional health and supports self-advocacy.

• Radha says she does not believe in perfect balance.
• Her “me time” changes daily, and she identifies as neurodivergent, experimental, and someone who likes to keep people guessing.

• She would tell her younger self: do not change a thing.
• Every experience, even the hard ones, helped shape who she is now.

• Radha shares Oscar Wilde’s line: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars.”

Krithika shares her journey of migration, career transition, and personal growth as she navigates life in Australia. Her dedication to charity work, passion projects, and the pursuit of work-life balance reflect her resilience and commitment to making a positive impact.

Takeaways

• Resilience in career transitions
• Balancing work and personal passions

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Women in Health Network
• 05:43 Volunteering and Corporate Charity
• 12:36 Managing Educational Charity
• 19:54 Me Time and Personal Interests

A big thank you to everyone who listened to , downloaded and followed the My Story My Passion show .

Also a big thanks to all my guests who shared their personal stories of growth and passions outside of the world of medicine and health . 

Last but not least , thank you WiHN.  Women in health network .

To those of you who don’t know WiHN , here’s a little bit about us . 

The Women in Health Network (WiHN) brings together South Asian women health professionals across Australia to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Guided by our four pillars — Connection, Education, Empowerment, and Charity — we provide a supportive platform that celebrates diversity, strengthens professional growth, and amplifies the voices of South Asian women in healthcare.

Through Connection, we foster meaningful networks and mentorship. With Education, we share knowledge, skills, and experiences to enrich careers. Our focus on Empowerment ensures women are equipped to lead, innovate, and create impact. And through Charity, we extend our influence beyond professional spaces to give back to communities locally and globally.

Together, we are building a strong, inclusive community that uplifts South Asian women and drives positive change in Australia’s healthcare landscape.

Reach out to us via email - 

[email protected]

Follow us on our socials :

https://www.instagram.com/women_in_health_network?igsh=MXAwcG05MXIzbTFmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DEWevF3Fn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We will be back next year with more stories . Until then , happy holidays and wish you all a very happy new year 

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Ritu Gupta shares her journey as a specialist dermatologist in Sydney, discussing her origins, family background, and the challenges she faced while balancing her medical career and motherhood. She reflects on her education, experiences in boarding school, and the importance of cultural heritage. Ritu also delves into her passion for opera singing and how it serves as a personal outlet. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of hard work, the power of choice, and the value of maintaining one's cultural identity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ritu Gupta
01:28 Ritu's Origin Story and Family Background
05:02 Boarding School Experience and Education
10:02 Navigating Identity and Acceptance
12:31 The Importance of Choice in Career and Life
15:05 Current Professional Life as a Dermatologist
19:04 The Journey of a Dermatologist
23:18 Balancing Family and Career
26:17 Passion for Opera and Personal Growth
30:00 Cultural Heritage and Family Values
30:24 Lessons from the Past

Summary

In this conversation, clinical psychologist Priya  shares her journey from South Africa to Australia, discussing her cultural identity, experiences growing up as an immigrant, and her path into psychology. She reflects on the challenges she faced in her career, the importance of collaboration in her practice, and her passion for reading and traveling. Priya also emphasizes the significance of work-life balance and self-care, offering insights into her personal and professional life.


Takeaways

Priya   is a clinical psychologist and co-owner of Blueprint Psychology in Sydney.
She works with children, young people, and adults, focusing on autism, ADHD, and trauma.
Priya's cultural background is a blend of Indian heritage and South African upbringing.
She faced challenges fitting in during her early years in Australia due to a lack of multiculturalism.
Her interest in psychology was influenced by her experiences caring for a family member with disabilities.
Priya transitioned from a school setting to private practice to reduce bureaucracy and increase collaboration.
She values creating a warm and collaborative environment in her practice.
Reading and traveling are her main hobbies, though she struggles to find time for them.
Priya believes in setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance, though she admits it's challenging.
She advises her younger self to work hard and understand her strengths before responsibilities take over.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Priya 
02:36 Cultural Identity and Migration Experiences
05:11 Early Life and Schooling in Australia
08:04 Navigating Cultural Differences
10:16 Choosing a Career in Psychology
12:25 Challenges in the Psychology Profession
13:54 Navigating the Shift to Private Practice
16:16 Passion Projects and Personal Interests
18:00 The Quest for Work-Life Balance
21:24 Defining 'Me Time' and Personal Relaxation
23:14 Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self
24:02 Literary Interests and Reading Habits

Keywords

radiology, women in medicine, cultural identity, AI in healthcare, work-life balance, film production, dance, personal growth, mentorship, health and fitness


Summary

In this episode, Dr. Pradnya Dugal shares her inspiring journey as a radiologist, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. She discusses her cultural background, the challenges she faced growing up as a minority in Australia, and her experiences in the medical field, particularly as a female leader. Dr. Dugal emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity, the integration of AI in healthcare, and the balance between work and family life. She also shares her passion for dance and film production, highlighting her commitment to storytelling and cultural representation.


Titles

The Journey of Dr. Pradnya Dugal: A Radiologist's Story
Embracing Cultural Identity in Medicine


Sound bites

"Strong is sexy."
"Embrace your differences."
"It's about creating yourself."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Pradnya Dugal
02:46 Journey in Medicine and Radiology
05:30 Cultural Background and Identity
08:03 Challenges of Growing Up as a Minority
09:42 Transition to Sydney and Education
12:20 Establishing Synergy Radiology Group
14:36 Integrating AI in Radiology
17:22 Overcoming Gender Challenges in Medicine
19:39 Balancing Work and Family Life
22:11 Passion for Dance and Film Production
24:35 Inspiration Behind Film Projects
27:02 Advice to Younger Self and Women
29:28 Importance of Self-Care and Fitness
31:49 Family Activities and Quality Time
34:18 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Quotes

Keywords

Dr. Srishti Dutta, General Practice, Australia, GP Training, Cultural Assimilation, Podcasting, Health, Personal Growth, Education, Women in Medicine


Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Srishti Dutta shares her journey from India to Australia, discussing her motivations for moving, the challenges she faced in adapting to a new healthcare system, and her current roles in general practice and GP training. She reflects on her experiences with cultural assimilation, the importance of mentorship in her career, and her passion for education in the medical field. Dr. Dutta also touches on her personal health journey and the significance of being present in the moment, offering insights and advice for balancing work and personal life.


Takeaways

Dr. Srishti Dutta emphasizes the importance of family connections in her move to Australia.
Cultural assimilation can be a complex process for new migrants.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development in medicine.
The transition to a new healthcare system can present unique challenges.
Dr. Dutta values the nurturing aspect of teaching and training future GPs.
Personal health is often overlooked by those in caregiving roles, including doctors.
Being present in the moment can enhance personal and professional relationships.
Time management is essential for balancing work and family life.
Dr. Dutta's podcasting journey reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and experiences.
The importance of self-care and prioritizing one's health is a recurring theme in Dr. Dutta's narrative.


Titles

Navigating the Journey of a Migrant Doctor
Cultural Assimilation in a New Land


Sound bites

"I think we all know when things are transitioning."
"I think we don't value that nurturing quite as much."
"You will get there until then be here."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Srishti Dutta
01:40 Journey to Australia: Origins and Motivations
03:31 Navigating Early Challenges in Australia
05:37 Cultural Assimilation and Early Experiences
08:51 Current Role and Involvement in GP Training
11:21 The Importance of Mentorship in General Practice
12:33 Involvement with GP Supervision Australia
14:48 Podcasting Journey and Advocacy for IMGs
16:21 Understanding Diversity in Medicine
17:35 Passion Projects and Personal Growth
18:05 Health and Wellbeing Awareness
20:50 Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures
23:47 Lessons from the Past
27:19 Being Present in the Moment

Keywords

Dr. Shanti Raman, community pediatrics, cultural identity, gender bias, Australia, healthcare, dance, public health, migrant experience, child health


Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Shanti Raman shares her journey as a pediatrician and her experiences as a migrant in Australia. She discusses her early reluctance to move, her commitment to community health, and the challenges she faced as a woman of color in the medical field. Dr. Raman emphasizes the importance of addressing social issues in pediatric care and reflects on her passion for dance and community engagement. She offers valuable insights for the younger generation about work-life balance and the importance of self-care.


Takeaways

Dr. Shanti Raman is a consultant pediatrician and professor at UNSW.
She migrated to Australia against her will during her medical studies.
Cultural identity plays a significant role in her professional journey.
Dr. Raman has faced gender and racial bias in her career.
She emphasizes the need for community support for women in medicine.
The challenges in community pediatrics are often social rather than medical.
Dr. Raman is passionate about dance and community engagement.
She encourages younger generations to prioritize self-care.
Her work involves addressing complex social issues in child health.
Dr. Raman's favorite song reflects her cultural heritage and personal experiences.


Titles

The Journey of Dr. Shanti Raman: A Pediatrician's Story
Cultural Identity and Community Health: Insights from Dr. Raman


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Shanti Raman
02:22 Shanti's Journey to Australia
04:13 Cultural Shock and Adaptation
06:42 Reframing Identity and Career Goals
08:02 Pursuing Community Health and Public Health Training
09:18 Establishing Community Pediatrics in Australia
10:02 Research and Contributions to Indian Health
11:12 Pursuing a PhD and Balancing Multiple Roles
13:14 Challenges Faced in Early Career
14:23 Navigating Gender and Racial Discrimination
17:06 Empowering Women Through Literature
17:30 Facing Racism and Gender Bias in Careers
21:05 Challenges in Community Pediatrics
24:45 Navigating Bureaucracy in Healthcare
26:54 Balancing Work, Passion, and Family
28:58 Advice to Younger Generations
30:35 Cultural Expression Through Music and Dance
32:19 midnight-quirk-255361.mp3

 Episode Summary:
In this  episode of the Podcast, Dr Vanisri Anand sits down with the incredible Dr Talat Uppal—a trailblazing obstetrician and gynaecologist, educator, and social entrepreneur. From her multicultural upbringing across Pakistan, Nigeria, and Australia to her tireless advocacy for women's health, Dr Uppal shares her deeply personal and professional journey of building an impactful career while staying true to her values.

 Key Topics Discussed:

• Talat’s multicultural upbringing & migration journey
• The early challenges of settling into the Australian health system
• Her clinical passion: heavy menstrual bleeding and how it became her life’s mission
• Founding Women’s Health Road—a multidisciplinary, GP-led model of care
• Launching Bleed Better: a charity tackling menstrual health stigma and education
• The vision behind International Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Day (May 11)
• Digital health innovation for women, in collaboration with CSIRO & Heidi Health
• Barriers to recognition in medicine and equity in academic leadership
• Her personal battle with breast cancer and lessons in resilience
• Wellness, Bhangra dancing, and walking with family as self-care
• Advice to her younger self: “Back yourself and help others along the way.”

🌐 Resources Mentioned:

• Bleed Better Charity
• Women’s Health Road
• Heidi Health
• SPARKD (CSIRO initiative on health information systems)
• International Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Day – May 11

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🎵 Talat's Song Pick :
“Savarlun” – A song symbolizing hope, healing, and the importance of quality of life for women.