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A love of the wild
Christine has loved wildlife for as long as she can remember. Give her a free weekend and she will happily trade the hospital corridors for open country: a long drive, a dusty track and the patience to wait quietly for an animal to step out of the bush.
Out there nobody is in a hurry. A herd moves at its own pace, a mother keeps her young close, and everything depends on everything else. She comes back rested, and reminded that the most precious things in life are fragile and worth protecting.
Patience, gentleness and paying close attention: the bush teaches the same things the operating theatre does.
A soft spot for children
Children have always found their way to Christine. She is the one sitting on the floor to talk to a child at eye level, answering endless “why?” questions and making a nervous little one laugh.
Caring for children has shaped the surgeon she is. A child doesn’t care about titles. They need to feel safe, to be listened to and to be treated kindly. She tries to give every patient that same feeling, whatever their age.
These are the things that keep her grounded: wide open spaces, the wonder of animals and children’s laughter. They remind her why she chose a life of caring for people.
