About Dr Michelle Killalea
Meet Our New Paediatrician – Starting Soon
RACP, DCH, MBBS
Paediatric Specialist
Michelle is a General Paediatrician who is thrilled to have returned home to the hunter region. After growing up in Port Stephens, she left the region for her university medical studies (University of Western Australia).
She gained extensive clinical experience by training across multiple states and a wide variety of clinical environments across rural, remote and urban settings. This diverse background allowed Dr Michelle to bring a broad and contemporary perspective back to her local community.
Beyond general paediatric medicine, Dr Michelle has a particular interest in Paediatric Rehabilitation and is currently undertaking additional advanced training in this field. She is dedicated to helping children with physical disabilities or long-term injuries achieve their best possible outcomes and regain independence.
What Dr Michelle loves most about paediatrics is the incredible diversity of the field. From the tiny milestones of a newborn to the complex needs of an adolescent, she enjoys the unique challenges that each age group represents and is happy to see children of all ages and concerns.
As a parent herself, Dr Michelle understands that clinical advice must work in the "real world." She recognises the daily joys and hurdles of family life, ensuring that every management plan is not only evidence-based but also practical, compassionate, and tailored to the needs of the whole family.
Why did you want to become a kids' doctor instead of a doctor for grown-ups?
Working with kids is simply more fun! I’m constantly inspired by their honesty, resilience, and unique way of seeing the world. In paediatrics, my day can shift from discussing a complex medical plan to debating the best superhero in the blink of an eye and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is creativity and play in every doctors visit, ensuring every child leaves feeling brave, heard, and empowered.
What is your favourite dinosaur?
If I had to pick a favourite dinosaur, it would be the Plesiosaurus. (Though the 13-year-old dinosaur expert in our house would insist I clarify it’s a marine reptile, not a dinosaur!) Their four-flipper swim style makes them look like they’re flying through the ocean!
What do you do when you’re not being a doctor?
Outside of work, you’ll find me chasing after my own kids or out and about in nature and at the beach! I find my balance through beach days, family time, long walks, good coffee and road trips to explore new places.
If you could pick any superpower what would it be?
We debated the 'superpower' question at my house recently! Great ideas included the power to bring drawings to life, invisibility (to play tricks on each other) and teleportation. My two-year-old simply chose 'unicorn'—which honestly might be the best answer of all. As for me? I’d choose omnilingualism. Firstly because it’s a cool word, but I’d love the ability to speak every language —especially 'Toddler'—so I could always understand exactly what my youngest patients are trying to tell me!
