Meet GP and ASLM Fellow - Dr Emma King
ASLM Member Spotlights showcase the invaluable work that ASLM Fellows, ASLM Accredited Doctors and Practitioners, and member ambassadors are doing to establish Lifestyle Medicine as central to health, healthcare and health policy. ASLM members represent a broad range of medical and health practitioners as well as passionate professionals working in health and wellbeing who believe that and interdisciplinary and lifestyle-centric approach should be considered when it comes to the prevention and management of chronic and lifestyle-related disease.
What is your background?
I am a GP working in mostly rural and remote settings, and have also worked in Aboriginal health, and medical education. Originally from Perth, I completed an Honours degree in Pathology at the University of Western Australia, later working in biotechnology and management consulting in Australia and the Middle East before undertaking a Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University. I have practised across South Australia and East Arnhem Land, combining clinical work with teaching as an Academic at Flinders University and as a supervisor and medical educator for GP registrars and medical students. I have recently completed a Master of Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University. I currently practice in the Adelaide Hills and have a particular interest in mental health, women’s health, weight management, and chronic disease prevention.
How did you come to Lifestyle Medicine?
I was delighted to discover ASLM existed shortly after attaining Fellowship as a GP. Because I had a background in biochemistry and had conducted research in the area of epigenetics, I was already passionate about working with patients to achieve healthful lifestyles. I felt as though I had found ‘my tribe’ – an articulation of how to do this well in a specialty I love.
Why did you choose to join the ASLM?
I chose to undertake a Master of Lifestyle Medicine as I wanted to immerse myself in the detail of the discipline. I admired Dr Sam Manger’s work and so was excited to undertake the course, which also included studying health coaching and understanding models of care. A highlight of the degree has been the capstone research project, which provided the opportunity to contribute to building the evidence base of Lifestyle Medicine and its application in clinical practice.
How has, or how do you envisage this influencing your career/direction?
I sought Fellowship of the ASLM because it reflects what I consider most important as a primary care provider—patient-driven care that acknowledges social, environmental, and cultural context, and leverages collaboration across disciplines to continually improve the quality of care in Australia. I see myself as a steward, supporting patients to thrive in the long term, and the ASLM provides the framework and community that enables me to do this.
What advice would you give to other health professionals who are considering undertaking the ASLM Fellowship?
Anyone considering Fellowship of the ASLM is likely drawn to it because its values resonate deeply with their own. For health practitioners who are committed to meeting patients and clients where they are, and to supporting them in taking self-determined steps towards healthier lives, ASLM provides the ideal professional home.
Please tell us a random fact about yourself
My favourite hobby is spending time with my family (mostly alongside soccer pitches and skate parks), as well as camping, yoga, gardening, cooking, and a good TV series.