Life at Auckland Hospital for Dr Lynn Theron, could not be more different in lockdown. As an ED doctor, her hands-on approach has dramatically changed, as has her role as a cosmetic medicine doctor at her co-owned boutique-like spa, Clinic 42. Editor Trudi Brewer caught up with Dr Theron in some of her rare downtimes to find out how working in lockdown is going.
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Dr Lynn Theron is one of Auckland's most experienced cosmetic medicine doctors. Specialising in natural-looking results is a top priority, the master of fixing what bothers you without leaving your face looking 'overdone.' But right now, her passion Clinic 42 (closed until lockdown level 2), is on hold, while we are in still in lockdown Level 3. Until then she continues in the ever-changing role as an ED doctor.
Here’s a snapshot of what it's like to work in healthcare, and what Dr Theron misses about life, as she once knew it.
How has your job changed in lockdown?
Gear, lots of it. The PPE, caps, eye protection, masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, and boots, which are worn and removed in a buddy system in a strict order between each patient. This practice is cardinal to keep healthcare workers safe and to stop the risk of spreading the disease to others in the hospital and at home. Medical emergency treatments involving lung diseases such as asthma, or epistaxis (nosebleeds) have to be reviewed and then modified to prevent viral spread through droplets. Social distancing with all medical meetings is done virtually, including the introduction of telemedicine in the emergency department, the first in Auckland. And then, there is the cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning, and then some more, which includes showering before leaving work. I feel blessed I work with an incredible team that collaborate with all those in the medical and paramedical world. As far as Clinic 42 goes, we are currently closed at level 3 lockdown, and reopening at Level 2, I can't wait to return to my patients and our team.
What have you learned from being in ISO or your bubble?
Many new IT skills I didn't think I could manage, now so much of what I do is online. As far as home goes, I love my family and live happily in ISO with them.
“I feel blessed I work with an incredible team that collaborates with all those in the medical and paramedical world.”
Dr Lynn Theron in the ED at Auckland Hospital.
What have been your beauty go-to's during the lockdown?
Zo Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads, are my go-to, after work, they remove all traces of dirt and hence every possibility of a virus. I use one for my face and neck and another for exposed parts such as my arms. And then, as part of my skincare routine, I use the ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener and ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum. My hair has been in a tight bun for the duration of the lockdown - to avoid this some of the team have had pixie cuts.
What are you looking forward to most when life resumes back to some normality?
Catching up with my Clinic 42 family. Going to an art gallery or a new art exhibition - and buying my daughter's new ballet shoes.
Zo Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads, $. ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener, $230. ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum, $320. Mae Combo Elastics & Bobby Pins, Brown, Set-of-25, $5.