When it comes to neurology, Dr Suyi Ooi has a simple philosophy "Our bodies don't read textbooks."
It's a quote that perfectly captures her approach to medicine and the reason she was drawn to one of the most complex specialties in healthcare.
Recently joining Bendigo Health as a Consultant Neurologist, Dr Ooi brings expertise in epilepsy and cognitive neurology, strengthening access to specialist care for communities across central and northern Victoria.
After training across Melbourne hospitals, completing subspecialty training in epilepsy and seizure disorders, and undertaking PhD research into seizure prediction, Dr Ooi was ready for a new challenge.
"Bendigo was just the perfect opportunity where I thought I could spread my wings as a clinician."
For Dr Ooi, neurology is about much more than diagnosis and treatment.
"I suppose I treat neurology as a bit of an art."
She says the specialty requires clinicians to truly understand patients and their families, combining scientific knowledge with intuition, communication and careful clinical assessment.
That connection is also personal. Her interest in neurology was shaped in part by her brother's experience living with severe epilepsy.
As Bendigo Health's neurology service continues to grow, Dr Ooi sees a significant opportunity to improve access to specialist care closer to home.
"There's no question or doubt that neurological services to the wider Bendigo community need to be expanded to meet the demand, and I'm very excited to be part of that."
The addition of Dr Ooi strengthens Bendigo Health's capability in caring for patients living with epilepsy, cognitive disorders and a broad range of neurological conditions. The neurology team works closely with stroke, rehabilitation, allied health and specialist outpatient services to provide coordinated care across the region.
But for Dr Ooi, joining Bendigo Health represents something even bigger.
"For a service to grow and expand, you need a network. You need a team."
"Me joining Dr Robert Atvars as a small team is really only the tip of the iceberg in what ultimately we want Bendigo to have."
The vision is to continue building a regional neurology service that delivers more care locally, supports patients and families, and attracts future specialists to train and work in Bendigo.
"We want Bendigo to have a neurology unit where there's 24/7 neurology care."
Since arriving, Dr Ooi has been equally impressed by the people around her.
"The community at Bendigo Health has just been fantastic from the get-go."
"I really feel like everyone's working towards a common goal here, looking after patients and getting the best outcomes for them."
Outside work, Dr Ooi and her partner are embracing life in Bendigo with their recently adopted greyhound, while she enjoys exploring the city's parks, trails and running tracks.
"Bendigo is a fantastic place to live. It's quiet, but there's actually a lot of things going on."
Please join us in welcoming Dr Suyi Ooi to Bendigo Health.
