What is the Question for February

For the first What is the Question of 2020, Roland talked with OBGYN Russell Dalton.

What is your name?

Russell Dalton.

What is your occupation?

Obstetrician & gynaecologist; medical director of Ballarat IVF; senior partner of obstetrics and gynaecology Ballarat.

What brought you to Ballarat?

I was born here. When I met Margaret in Melbourne, it was nice to learn that she, also, was from Ballarat. We married, and then were expecting twins and decided to move back to Ballarat before their birth to be closer to family, who were very supportive.

What is your favourite spot in the city?

Lake Wendouree. I love the space, the wildlife, and seeing so many people interacting with the environment; the Botanical gardens; the Prime Ministers’ avenue – wondering what happened at various times in our political history for some of these people to end-up as our leaders!

What is your earliest memory?

Aged four I went to kindergarten for one day and objected to being made to drink milk and eat sour oranges for morning tea. My mother stepped in, and I didn’t go back. When I started school, I recall peering out of the main building to the yard filled with kids and being quite anxious. As a youngster, I spoke very slowly, and it was quite a surprise to my parents that the prep teacher thought I was reasonably bright. In fact my father didn’t believe the report and asked if there was some sort of clerical error!

What do you like to cook?

Desserts. My favourite is tarte tatin; and a pretty good chocolate or passionfruit soufflé.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve purchased – property aside?

Cars! A Jaguar XFR in 2010 – an awesome car which I had to sell to a friend who still drives it around Ballarat. He got a very good deal! It still looks great and at times I regret selling it. Later, a ZL1 Camaro.

What is your most treasured possession?

Good health. I’m 57 and I know many people around my age who have had significant issues, or passed away. Life is random and chaotic, so to be healthy, energetic, and productive, is a complete blessing.

What is the greatest love of your life – apart from friends and family?

Margaret, my wife; my children and their partners; but after that comes our dogs, Rocky and Flynn. They are totally spoilt and excellent company. As they say, dogs are the best people.

What would you change if you could edit your past?

I was somewhat intolerant of people who were different from me. I’ve seen how interacting with people with different lifestyles and beliefs has enriched my life, and taught me so much.

What or who inspires you?

As a fertility specialist, I meet many women and couples who are trying to have a baby. Each person is committed to realising their dream, and it often works. Sometimes, the path to having a baby is tough and challenging. When I look after people who face challenges, but keep going, and have a baby, it’s a special and inspiring experience.

What is your favourite holiday destination? 

Queenstown NZ. We’ve been there eight times at all times of the year. It’s an amazing environment, easy to get to; great food, and the freshness of the air is a real tonic.

What is your favourite quote?

All difficult tasks are comprised of a series of simple steps. Break the task down, and you’ve got it nailed

What person – living or dead would invite to dinner party?

Neil Armstrong. I’m sure he’d have the answers well-rehearsed, but it would be fascinating to hear of his lunar experience, and of the journey to and from earth with the challenges the crew faced with relatively low-level technology.

What technological/scientific development boggles your mind?

Non-invasive, prenatal screening for chromosome abnormalities.

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Being energetic and ambitious as they try to get the most out of their lives, especially when those attributes are combined with kindness and consideration for others who may be less fortunate.

What was your first job?

As an eight-year old, sitting in the window of my father’s toy shop at Christmas, demonstrating the latest slot car set. I thought it would be great, but it was hot, and, ultimately, very boring.

My first paid job, 1976, was picking potatoes on weekends and over Christmas in Drysdale, where I grew up. I did that every year up until my final year of medicine; financially, it got me through university.

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

Always a doctor. I think seeing our local doctor coming do a home visit to see one or other of my siblings, giving them an injection of penicillin, and seeing them better the next day was quite miraculous. The world’s first heart transplant was performed in 1967. I was fascinated with the story, and the vision of the beating heart.

What historical calamity would you choose to reverse?

The September 11, 2001 World trade Centre attacks, which changed the world in so many ways, forever.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

I was the first person in my family to study medicine, and the first to leave home to go to university. Through a large component of my time at university I was anxious about not being able to complete my studies, but ultimately did very well. It would have been nice to know in advance that I was going to get through. I probably would have enjoyed university more.