In Pursuit of Career Happieness

Despite not being able to swim and not being an ‘outdoors type’, Meg has crafted the most incredible, adventurous and meaningful medical career. In this session, hosted by Will Duffin, Meg, will discuss how she forged a pathway into expedition medicine and ultimately, career happiness. During the session, Meg discusses the complexities of a career change from a veterinarian to becoming both a remote/rural and inner-city GP alongside a senior leader. You’ll be inspired and you’ll yearn for expeditions and adventure!

‘’ I can work solo anywhere with a piece of string and a stick…. I don’t need much!’’ – Meg McKeown.

Meg presents her slides followed by an audience Q & A.

Dr Meg McKeown grew up in Tasmania, Australia. She initially trained as a veterinary surgeon and worked as a vet for 12 years but retrained in the last 4 of them to be a medical surgeon. She joined the Australian Antarctic Division in 2012 and has completed many voyages, 2 Antarctic Winters, one Antarctic Summer season and led medical evacuation round trip Antarctic Flights. She has also worked as a medical officer for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and lived as a diplomat in Myanmar for 14 months. During Meg’s pursuit of career happiness, she has learnt to say “yes” to as many opportunities as possible, this has helped Meg to open her life to some of the best jobs in medicine.

Currently, Meg is running a street medicine service in Hobart (Tasmania, Australia) and continues to work as a Medical Officer for the Australian Antarctic Division’s Polar Medicine Unit.  Her work this year has shifted into a logistics role to prepare our 4 stations, one jet and 3 ships for the threat of COVID-19.  Meg’s future task is to bring home the new Icebreaker from Europe once the COVID-19 risk is acceptable.