In this episode we have a conversation via Zoom with Professor Jon Watson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Western Australia. Jon is a practicing gastroenterologist who has also done extensive research into viruses, with his primary focus being on better understanding and treating Hepatitis C. This work has led to Jon being heavily involved in the Australian response to the current COVID19 pandemic, and Jon talks us through the makeup of viruses and the challenges different viruses pose. We have a great conversation with Jon about his journey from an undergraduate medical student in the UK, being mentored by Sir David Weatherall, completing a PhD, and then moving to Australia and working as both a senior academic and a practicing clinician. We also discuss the philosophy of medical practice, a possible link between practicing medicine and being musically inclined, and how attitudes and expectations about the practice of medicine have changed during his career. Jon's career has seen him take on a wide range of roles within the health and academic sectors and he has a very interesting story to tell. We were very fortunate to have an hour of Jon's time recently whilst he was in hotel isolation after returning to Perth.
You can about Jon and his work here: https://www.uwa.edu.au/profile/jon-watson and https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/jon-watson
As always, if you want to get in touch with the podcast, you can contact us at: [email protected] or via twitter @healthmeanswhat

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