There are many different types of diversity, and it's a great way to develop fresh ideas, broaden viewpoints, and highlight each employee's strengths. It comes naturally to us to understand and celebrate our people since they are at the heart of all we do.

To honour individual travels, histories, identities, and tales, we interviewed St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Siva Chandrasekaran to truly understand how deeply embedded diversity is.

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

Dr Siva Chandrasekaran: My parents migrated from India in 1972 to pursue higher studies and decided to stay in Australia.  I was born in Sydney, completed primary school in Darwin, and completed secondary education at Sydney Grammar and Canberra Grammar Schools.  I attended the medical faculty of the University of New South Wales and completed my orthopaedic training in Sydney. I moved to Melbourne after being offered an orthopaedic surgeon position at the Alfred Hospital.

I decided to pursue a career in healthcare because human health and well-being are the world's most important resources. Good physical and mental health allows individuals to perform at their fullest potential to benefit society. Also, being involved in healthcare is my greatest privilege.  Surgery is the only profession that an individual will trust another human being to dissect them with a scalpel while incapacitated under an anaesthetic.  This trust is fostered after a half-hour meeting and the confidence and belief in our healthcare professionals and system.  It is a privilege and honour to be entrusted with such responsibility.

Can you share a piece of your country’s history you’re particularly proud of?

Dr Siva Chandrasekaran: India is a country of several inspirational leaders and individuals.  One of my favourite quotes is from a political leader called Kamarajar

"Educate a child today, and you build a nation tomorrow."

Teaching our younger generations respect, compassion towards all living things and service without the expectation of reward should not only be our legacy but also our duty.

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

Dr Siva Chandrasekaran: As healthcare professionals, we will one day all become patients.  Diversity and inclusion for me means treating patients and their friends and families with the same compassion, respect, and diligence that I would expect if I were a patient.

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

Dr Siva Chandrasekaran: My cultural background and upbringing have instilled that personal sacrifice and charity are the greatest human qualities, and in the face of adversity, our moral duty is to uphold righteousness through compassion and non-violence. These values not only influence my approach to patient care but approach to all facets of life.

What’s the most important celebration in your culture, and how do you celebrate it?

Dr Siva Chandrasekaran: One of our most important celebrations is Pongal. Pongal is a celebration of the harvest season. Farmers pay respect to workers, animals, and the land for a successful harvest. Farmers are the foundation of all societies.  Their hard work feeds and sustains all the other members of society.  The Thirukurral, an ancient Tamil text written in 300BC has a couplet stating

"Farmers are the linch-pin of the world for they support all other workers who cannot till the soil."