Dr Emilia finds balance in a career in anaesthetics

Dr Emilia Reece joined STARS as a Specialist Anaesthetist when the facility opened in 2021. She is currently Acting Clinical Director of Anaesthetics, managing the team of specialist anaesthetists, and collaborating with the multi-disciplinary and Executive teams to ensure safe and high-quality care within procedural services at STARS.

Prior to working at STARS, Emilia worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she completed her fellowship in hepatobiliary and transplant anaesthesia in 2018.

Emilia enjoys multiple aspects of working at STARS.

“In addition to occupying a beautiful new building, working in a new hospital allows anaesthetists to be involved in the establishment and optimisation of processes, for example when new procedures are introduced. This can be more challenging when working in an established facility,” she said.

“I also love the people I work with at STARS – they are motivated, innovative and adaptable. The smaller team sizes mean you get to know everyone which improves communication and collaboration.”

Emilia believes that working as a specialist anaesthetist can provide the flexibility often desired by those wishing to combine a medical speciality with family life.

“A career in anaesthetics is challenging but rewarding, with a strong focus on teamwork. In recent years there has been a move towards supporting more flexibility for trainees that have other life commitments. While training and examinations can be arduous, once completed a career in anaesthetics can provide an opportunity to achieve a more balanced life,” she said.

Emilia is also a member of the STARS Staff Council where she advocates for a safe, happy and healthy workplace for all staff.

When Emilia is not working, she is busy with her children’s sporting and musical pursuits and the family’s two dogs.

“Both my daughter (10) and son (7) are sporty, so much of our spare time is spent facilitating their sporting endeavours. My son has also recently taken up learning the bagpipes, which hasn’t yet upset the neighbours,” she said.

“When I do get my own time I enjoy cooking, keeping fit and reading novels. I’ve recently taken up baking sourdough with questionable success.”

Originally from Scotland, Emilia misses some aspects of her home country.

“I miss family celebrations with my many cousins, dramatic mountains, beautiful Victorian architecture, Glaswegian cuisine and the long summer evenings. I certainly don’t miss the dark winter,” she said.