Style introduces Dr David Chettle
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
We recently moved to Toowoomba from Brisbane. I was actually born in Tasmania, and I spent several years in Papua New Guinea as a youngster. At the age of six my family moved back to Australia and we ended up settling in Brisbane.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
My wife Wendy and I have three children, seven-year-old identical twins Chloe and Eloise, and a little boy Benjamin, who will soon be five. We will also have a puppy soon if I’m to listen to my children!
WHAT IS YOUR WORKING BACKGROUND?
I initially started out in the sports science field training elite athletes. I had always intended on going into medicine and so I went back to complete a medical degree with the intention of going into orthopaedics. However, on a rotation at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital as a medical student, I helped deliver a baby and after that I was hooked. Since then I’ve worked in obstetrics and gynaecology.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS INDUSTRY?
I have spent 10 years working in medicine.
WHAT DO YOU THINK EARNS SUCCESS IN BUSINESS?
Staying up-to-date with medical and surgical advancements is paramount, however I believe good communication skills are one of the biggest factors dictating a doctor’s success, along with respect and empathy for their patients.
WHAT DO YOU PRIDE YOURSELF ON?
Having a family of our own, my wife and I understand all about the ups and downs of the ‘baby journey’ as well as the changes women experience after the baby-making phase of life is over. At our practice, Evolve Women’s Health, we can relate and empathise with our patients, having experienced many of those moments ourselves. We know it can be wonderful, but we also know it can be difficult and, at times, heartbreaking. I believe one of my strengths is being able to understand and empathise with my patients, but also communicate with them.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE TOOWOOMBA REGION?
We wanted a relaxed lifestyle and a better work/life balance for our family. We wanted our kids to grow up with a decent backyard, and the opportunity to attend a good school without having to travel. We were tired of the traffic and the lack of community that living in a big city brings.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT TOOWOOMBA?
It’s a beautiful city and it has so much to offer. There are so many excellent schools in the region, you’re really spoiled for choice. We love all the parks, trees and gardens, and the locals have all been so nice, welcoming and honest – we are really loving the change.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FOR THE TOOWOOMBA REGION IN THE FUTURE?
It’s hard for me to say as I’ve really only been here for two months and we are still discovering all that Toowoomba has to offer. If I listen to what my kids have been saying, perhaps another public swimming pool and a roller skating rink – we heard that there was one but it closed. Our girls would have loved that.