To celebrate individual stories, journeys, backgrounds and identities, we have interviewed Dr Latika Cilly St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.

Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to work in healthcare? 

Dr Latika Cilly: I grew up in a middle-class family in India, one of three siblings, and for reasons I still can’t fully explain, I was determined to become a doctor from a very young age. This dream was entirely my own, supported by my family’s encouragement. Over the past 24 years, I’ve worked in India, the UK, and Australia, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which has been deeply rewarding both professionally and personally.

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you in your role here at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital? 

Dr Latika Cilly: To me, diversity and inclusion means valuing each individual’s unique perspectives and fostering an environment where everyone—patients and staff—feels respected and supported. It’s about building trust and ensuring that care is delivered equitably and compassionately. At St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee, this has been easy, as this is a part of their work culture and a norm.

How has your unique cultural or personal background influenced your approach to patient care?

Dr Latika Cilly: After working in 3 different continents and 3 different Healthcare systems, I realised that we are all human beings and all we expect is respect and understanding from others. It helped me understand the different cultures in different populations and helped me work with these nuances to achieve the best patient care in my capability.

What do you enjoy most about working in such a diverse environment at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital?

Dr Latika Cilly: I love the sense of community and learning that comes from working in a diverse team. Each interaction is an opportunity to grow, and it’s inspiring to see how different perspectives come together to improve patient outcomes.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have your experiences helped you overcome them?

Dr Latika Cilly: One challenge has been adapting to different healthcare systems and cultural contexts across three countries. These experiences, though challenging, have strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues from all walks of life.

How do you think diversity in the healthcare workforce improves patient care and outcomes?

Dr Latika Cilly: Diversity in healthcare enriches the collective knowledge and empathy of the workforce. It fosters innovative approaches to care, improves communication, and ensures that patients feel understood and valued, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. When patients from diverse backgrounds present in a hospital setting, particularly in a stressful situation, seeing someone from their background helps relieve some of that anxiety and helps improve patient outcomes.