Getting to Know … Dr Ian Hill – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Dr Ian Hill is a highly regarded obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 35 years of experience, having delivered over 10,000 babies! Dr Hill’s practice is in Newtown and in addition to being exceptionally knowledgeable and local, he is known for his thorough patient care. Read on to get to know Dr Hill.
Tell us a little about yourself
I was born in Johannesburg and relocated to Australia as soon as I completed my medical degree. I am a member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, and prior to setting up my private practice in 1985, I worked at Sydney Hospital, the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown and the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, UK. I am married to a writer, have four grown children and love medicine, music, film and sport.
What services do you offer and where do you practice?
My practice is located at 320/100 Carillon Ave, Newtown within Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s Medical Centre. I admit patients to and visit them at Royal Prince Alfred and Prince of Wales Private Hospitals, and Sydney Day Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred. My services include general and high-risk obstetrics, general gynaecology, colposcopy and family planning.
From finding out you are expecting, when is the optimum time to choose an obstetrician?
As soon as possible. You will need to see your GP to obtain a referral, discuss your choice of specialist and book an appointment.
What should a person look for when choosing their obstetrician and what can someone expect at their initial consultation with you?
Experience, knowledge and professionalism! He or she should have admitting rights to the hospital of your choice, short waiting lists for appointments, and helpful, polite and kind administrative staff. An initial consultation should typically involve some pre-consultation paperwork, then a relaxed interview to note your medical history and assess any health issues. It should also include an appropriate examination followed by an agreed plan for ongoing care (e.g. blood tests, ultrasound or X-rays) and follow up arrangements.
How would you describe your style as an obstetrician?
Experienced, relaxed and easy going with an attention to detail. I offer my patients the best of modern medicine with the wisdom of unhurried personal care.
To help couples decide on whether to go with private vs public care, what are the main differences in your opinion?
Continuity of care is the main difference. There are financial considerations of course, but a private obstetrician and gynaecologist is often a caregiver for life.
For mums that maybe anxious about the current COVID-19 crisis and their health and that of their unborn baby – what advice can you give
The global experience tells us that COVID-19 does not affect pregnant women more so than the general population. There is no evidence that the virus can be found in amniotic fluid, vaginal secretions or breast milk of expecting or new mothers. Mothers who are COVID-19 positive will require specialist care in an approved facility. To date, there have been no reported cases in our area nor in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, although it is set up to manage such a pregnancy. My advice to pregnant mothers is to stay calm, practice social distancing, frequently wash your hands and report any fever, cough, intestinal upset or respiratory symptoms immediately to your GP or obstetrician.
Favourite places in the Inner West?
Haberfield shops, the Bay Run, Leichhardt Pool and Annandale Cellars!
What has inspired you recently?
The resilience of our fellow citizens in these unprecedented times of course, plus the music of Max Richter, ‘The Medicine’, a book by Australian GP Karen Hitchcock, Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review podcast, and ‘The Bureau’ TV series on SBS.
For more information please visit www.drianhill.com.au.
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