Crazy Socks 4 Docs - Chat with Dr Maria Boulton

I was born into a family of doers, I come from a country with a lot of need, El Salvador. My parents and grandparents were involved in helping the community, and that’s how I grew up. In the 19, we had an earthquake, and instead of staying home and waiting for the aftershocks my mum organised our school and the scout group I was in to make up water and drink hamper packages to deliver. That’s just how I was brought up. 

When I started my medical training, I was busy with training and having children, and one day I turned around and realised it was hard to provide the high quality care we need to provide with the little funding the government gives us, and I decided I had to get involved and make a change.

I have my own business co-founded with Dr Fiona Raciti, because we realised we wanted to do things differently. We wanted more time with patients, a focus on education and prevention, and to have a paediatric area with a relaxing environment and it was with that aim that we designed our practice. 

I never thought when I was studying at UQ that I would own a business, or be the AMA Queensland President. What has helped me is mentors. I have been very privileged to be surrounded by brilliant mentors. If there’s someone you think may be a good fit for you, reach out and connect with them. It can be really hard if you’re an intern or JHO to reach out and make those connections, don’t be shy, ask the question, most likely that person will be happy to help out and answer any questions. When I was deciding on specialty training I reached out to a few specialists to shadow them and see the reality of what it’s like; despite being set on surgical training after a day shadowing a local GP who worked in the ED I had a fantastic time and knew that general practice was the right specialty for me. 

My most significant accomplishment is my children, my family and my friendship group. Professionally it’s the small wins, advocacy is hard work. There’s a lot that goes on behind closed doors that isn’t visible to the wider community, and being able to connect the community and keep them informed during COVID was a privilege. We’ve had some significant wins with AMA Queensland, the changing of the Hospital and Health Boards Act to try and improve conditions for hospital workers is a brilliant first step. Drug law reform was something we had been working on for years, and it was nice to see that finally happen. The payroll tax amnesty for Queensland, the only state in Australia to attain this, will increase the accessibility of GP services for patients. We have a lot to work on. 

I’m a big believer in having your own GP. I went through training at a difficult time, with significant understaffing. What kept me sane was having my own GP. We were also supported by an amazing group of medical and allied health staff, and always made time to catch up for dinner or sports. 

I love meeting people, seeing how I can help, and connecting people with those who can help them. It’s a busy life, it’s always a balancing act. Luckily my children are older now, and my husband is very supportive. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but I do my best.