Raj Vaidya did not need to look far for inspiration on what medical pathway to pursue.
The JCU final year medical student wants to follow in the footsteps of his father Dr Shanti Vaidya, who is a senior interventional cardiologist in Mackay, working at both the Mackay Base and Mater Hospitals.
“My father is extremely passionate about his field and his dedication to cardiology has inspired me to pursue this incredible profession,” Raj said.
Father and son are pictured in our specialised state of the art Cardiac Cath Lab wearing lead suits for protection.
“What I truly love about cardiology is the diversity in the job,” Raj said.
“They are physicians, involved in seeing patients in clinics and on wards and teaching juniors.
“But as interventionalists, they perform ground-breaking procedures such as angiograms (imaging of the coronary vessels of the heart) and angioplasties (using balloons and stents to open any blockages in coronary vessels).”
The Vaidya family moved to Mackay ten years ago and have embraced life in the north.
“I truly think Mackay is the perfect regional town,” Raj said.
“It is small enough for the daily drive to not be cumbersome, and big enough to have everything that you could possibly need – whether it be outdoorsy activities, shopping or recreation.
“Mackay residents are some of friendliest, warmest, and most welcoming human beings I have ever met!
“We also have incredible weather here in Mackay all year round so it is truly a slice of paradise on Earth!
