Dr Eileen Burkett is well regarded for providing exceptional care to patients, and after 36 years she’s now preparing to bid farewell to her colleagues, and a career which has been nothing short of remarkable.
“As a registrar I enjoyed consultation liaison work engaging with medical colleagues and puzzling out behavioural conundrums,” said Dr Burkett.
“I obtained my college fellowship in 1988 and was appointed as Consultation Liaison Psychiatrist at QEII for two sessions per week.”
She then worked at Wacol and the Mater before moving to PA Hospital in 2004, which wasn’t without its challenges.
“The transition from Mater and QEII to PAH was difficult. Being well known in relatively small hospitals where I was their psychiatrist in residence, versus unknown in a large tertiary hospital.
“But I have come to enjoy working at PAH with the advantages of not working alone but working with a great team of clinicians.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in that I’m retiring. I feel quite sad in lots of ways, it’s been a good journey. It was a difficult decision, mainly because I love what I do.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for making my working life enjoyable. At difficult times, I have felt well supported with help just a conversation away.”
But the support went both ways, with Dr Burkett reflecting fondly on the staff she’s supervised over the years.
Clinical Director of Consultation Psychiatry Service Dr John O’Callaghan thanked Dr Burkett for being such a great support.
“She has always demonstrated care and respect for the patients she consulted, and the medical teams have counted on her clinical acumen and collaborative nature to assist their patients.
“Dr Burkett will be sorely missed by all of her colleagues. We wish her all the best for her retirement and more golf and camping,” said Dr O’Callaghan.