Meet our GP couple
If there was ever a match made in heaven, it’s the one between Dr Pradeep Vijayanand and Dr Ananya Murthy. The couple not only work together, they also share the same passion and hobbies.
In this article, we introduce two of our newest doctors and talk to them about their work and interests.
Dr Ananya Murthy
What’s your professional background?
I graduated in 2003 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India and worked in various hospitals around Bangalore following graduation. I met Pradeep during my internship and got married a few months later.
We moved together to Australia in 2006 to work in Port Augusta, SA. After working there for a couple of years, we moved to Mount Gambier to pursue my General Practice training. I started my career at Hawkins Medical clinic in Mount Gambier as a GP registrar and eventually became a Practice Principal and GP Registrar Supervisor. After a decade of working at Hawkins Clinic, it was time for us to move to Melbourne in 2020 for our daughters’ higher education. I started working at the Bluff Road Medical Centre in March 2020.
What do you love about your work?
I love the variety and intellectual stimulation that my work offers. General Practice requires broad knowledge, and there is always something new to learn! It is a privilege to be a GP who can provide health care through all phases of a person’s life. As a mother, I also enjoy the work-life balance and flexibility.
Any special interests?
I believe prevention is better than cure, and so I focus on Preventive health in all stages of life. I have a particular interest in chronic disease management, including management of Diabetes Mellitus, Women’s and Children’s health, Weight management and Skin cancer medicine.
I have a Diploma in Child Health and Advanced certificate in Skin cancer medicine. I am currently doing additional training in Obesity management through the World Obesity Federation accredited pathway.
Hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and being outdoors. Hiking, walking, Badminton, yoga, travelling and photography are just a few of my many interests!
What’s it like being married to another GP?
It’s nice to be married to a GP because we are always bouncing ideas off each other. It has given me a better insight into my partner’s work life and the challenges that come with it. We are also able to take time off together which is essential for our family life. We try hard to stick to the unspoken rule of not discussing work after 8.30pm!
Dr Pradeep Vijayanand
What’s your professional background?
My journey started in 1994 when I qualified to study medicine at the Bangalore Medical College, and I went onto finish post-graduate studies in General Medicine (2004) at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Diplomate in the National Board in medicine in India (2005). I gained work experience in the areas of family practice, emergency medicine and Neurology for 18 months.
In 2006 I started my career in Australia at the crossroads town of Port Augusta. This experience gave me rewarding insights into rural general practice, indigenous health, occupational health and prison health. As our careers advanced, we had to move to the beautiful countryside of Mount Gambier, where we spent a little over 11 years enjoying work as rural GPs.
What do you love about your work?
I feel privileged and humbled by the opportunity general practice provides us to develop a longstanding doctor-patient relationship to achieve best possible outcomes and the insight it gives to understand the complex interaction of psycho-social factors in determining health outcomes.
Any special interests?
Special interests include Internal medicine, Chronic disease management, Cardiology, Respiratory medicine, Renal medicine, Neurology and aged care.
I have developed an interest in the field of clinical education and the principles which underpin adult learning. I was fortunate to have worked for the Flinders University as a Clinical Educator in Mount Gambier being a part of the internationally renowned Parallel rural community curriculum (PRCC program). I would love to explore future opportunities in Melbourne to pursue my interest in medical education.
Hobbies outside of work?
Badminton, travelling, photography, watching movies for leisure and running.
What’s it like being married to another GP?
We work well as a team. We understand each other. I’m sure there would be some level of competition that pushes us in the right direction and keeps us occupied. We share many interests, and we are good friends more than anything else.
Like to make an appointment?
To make an appointment with Dr Pradeep Vijayanand or Dr Ananya Murthy, please click here or phone 9598 6244.