Introducing Dr Mecky McNeil, Mental Health and Well-being Director at HealthFirst
Why did you become a doctor?
As a child I loved being outside running, climbing and cycling, and as a result I spent quite a bit of time in hospital with broken bones. I can remember wanting to be a doctor since these very early visits to accident and emergency. Combining my fascination in science with my interest in people, my career in medicine has been more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined as a 6-year-old with a broken arm. As someone who loves to learn, I am challenged everyday by the new advances in medicine and science. But what has made my career so rewarding are the people I have had the privilege to support along the way.
What would you describe as your biggest achievement in your career so far?
My career has evolved through many stages. When I started as a medical student, I was interested in orthopaedics. During my degree I completed a bachelor of science in pharmacology which sparked my interest in internal medicine. As a junior doctor, I completed a training in general medicine and then specialised to become a GP. Later, when I moved to Switzerland, I retrained to become a health coach and health promotion advocate and now offer support and health education to people around the world. What I am most proud of is having the confidence and self-belief to follow my dreams and ambitions. Supported by a team of kind and passionate like-minded people, I am reminded each day of the importance of the work we do to raise awareness of health and disease and empower people to take steps to live healthier lives.
What do you do when you are not working?
I love the outdoors now as much as I did as a child, so whenever I can, I like to get outside. Living in Switzerland, I have the most amazing playground on my doorstep – be it skiing, hiking, cycling or swimming, there is so much to do. I love to travel and explore new places, and when I’m not sampling local delicacies on holiday, I enjoy cooking for my family and friends.
I will always be a learner, so when I am not out and about you will find me with my head in a book or listening to a podcast. My next challenge is to improve my German and add this to the list of languages I enjoy speaking.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate.
Living in the land of chocolate I have a lot to choose from and I treat myself to a piece (or two) every day. The good news is there is growing evidence of the health benefits of chocolate!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Always follow your dreams, be open-minded to new ideas and change, grab the opportunities as they come your way – nothing ventured, nothing gained. Stay curious and challenge fixed ways of thinking. And above all, love and laugh along the way.
