Understanding the patient journey is one of the key strengths of Dr Ian Kam, who has recently joined the Perron Institute clinic. He has a keen interest in being involved in the Advanced Trainee Neurology Program which is being run in partnership with the Neurology department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Ian will spend six months working with leading neurologists and other specialists in the subspecialty clinics at Perron Institute.
Ian began his medical studies in 2009 at the International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An affiliation with The University of Western Australia enabled him to move to Perth in 2013, completing his medical degree in 2015. Since then, he has been based at Royal Perth Hospital.
During his training, Ian was inspired by various neurologists, including Dr Caroline Orr (Perron Institute and Royal Perth Hospital), Dr Lay Kho (Royal Perth and Midland Hospital) and Dr Wai Leong (Royal Perth).
“I was really inspired by the way they did things,” he said. “I learnt a lot from the way they conducted their clinics, ran their departments and treated their patients.
“After only a term, I knew I wanted to specialise in neurology. It’s a complex puzzle and I enjoy the challenge of trying to put the pieces together.
“What I’ve learnt so far is the importance of getting to know the people I see in the clinic and learning about their symptoms and history.
“I also feel I can relate on a personal level as I’m a cancer survivor. In my first year of medical school, I was diagnosed with a tumour in my salivary gland. There was a time I couldn’t move my face.
“In the hospital bed, I found I was more curious than fearful because I wanted to understand what was happening.
“I look forward to further expanding my training by learning from the specialty neurologists at the Perron Institute, who look after some of the most complex cases in the state.”
Perron Institute Medical Director, Clinical Professor David Blacker is delighted to welcome more trainees into the clinic.
“Our goal is to deliver an excellent training experience to show the latitude and scope of a career specialising in neurology,” he said.
“The development of the Advanced Trainee Neurology Program also allows us to increase patient visits and help people in need of treatments.”