Paediatrician

Dr Kirsten Zahnow is a general paediatrician caring for babies, children and teenagers medical, developmental and behavioural needs. Her experience spans neonatal care, acute medical care in paediatric patients, longer term follow up for chronic medical conditions throughout childhood and adolescence,  as well as developmental and behavioural paediatrics.

She completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in 2000, and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2004, both at the University of Queensland. She achieved her Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physician, Paediatrics and Child Health Division (FRACP) in January 2015.

She has trained and worked at Ipswich Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Brisbane, The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, Nambour Hospital and Cairns Hospital.

It was while working as a junior doctor at Ipswich Hospital that she was inspired to pursue her interest in paediatrics. The Director of Paediatrics at the time was the type of doctor she hoped to become.  He taught her to take the time to understand her patients and to adapt treatment plans to suit their needs, as well as listen, be respectful, and care, for patients, their families and her colleagues.

Dr Kirsten feels privileged to be able to work with children and their families through challenging times in their lives. She admires children’s resilience and their ability to teach us how to handle tough situations. She takes great reward from making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families she cares for.

Dr Kirsten is an Ipswich local, born in Ipswich Hospital, and has spent most of her career working in the area. When not at work, she keeps busy with 2 children of her own, and likes to take an active role in their school community, as well as in their extracurricular activities.  Before becoming a doctor, she uses to teach tap dancing, and still enjoys music and the arts (although no longer dances herself).

“Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.”   Charlie Mackesy