From the moment she began learning about the science of reproduction, Dr Elizabeth Maxwell (2000) knew she had found a field that would continue to fascinate her. “It still amazes me every day,” she says. “That two cells from two different people can meet, and start dividing, intertwining genetic material then end up as fully formed human nine months later is truly a wonder to me.”
Elizabeth has built a career as a fertility specialist and gynaecologist, that is dedicated to supporting people through some of life’s most significant moments. Now based in Wollongong, she leads IVF Australia’s Wollongong Clinic as clinical director, working with aspiring parents to help them achieve their dream of having a family or to preserve their fertility. Her practice also extends beyond fertility care, supporting girls, women and people with a uterus or ovaries across all life stages — from childhood to menopause and beyond.
After finishing Year 12 at Ascham, Elizabeth’s path has been shaped by curiosity, rather than a straight line. She began her studies at the University of Sydney, residing at The Women’s College, initially drawn to a combination of science and media and communications. “I initially wanted to be a journalist,” she reflects, “but I also loved Biology.” That curiosity ultimately led her to complete a science degree before heading north to the University of Queensland to study medicine.
Elizabeth later returned to Sydney to undertake specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Royal North Shore Hospital, followed by a further three years subspecialising in reproductive endocrinology and infertility before moving to Wollongong “for a sea change” Elizabeth explains where she set up her own practice.
In her role, Elizabeth supports aspiring parents through some of life’s most personal and emotional moments. When asked about the most rewarding part of her career, she doesn’t hesitate. “Seeing a baby’s heartbeat on the screen of the ultrasound is always wonderful,” she says. “We can see that little heart starting to beat when the baby is just one centimeter! So that’s pretty magical. Especially when the parents to-be have had a tough journey to get to that point.”
Working in one of medicine’s most rapidly advancing fields means staying constantly up to date. Elizabeth regularly attends conferences and workshops and values the ongoing education and collegial discussions that come with working for a large fertility organisation.
Despite the demands of her specialty, she has also found a way to balance career and family life. “Sitting subspecialty exams with a two year old and a newborn during COVID was very tough,” she admits, “but fertility medicine can offer one of the easier specialities in medicine in which to achieve a work/life balance as there are rarely emergencies or after-hours work. I still manage to get to most school events! I don’t do any obstetrics any more since having children. While I loved obstetrics, I don’t miss getting up in the middle of the night for deliveries and these days I am just happy to meet my lovely patients’ babies when they bring them back in for a cuddle.”
Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth has clear advice for current Ascham students considering a career in medicine. “One hundred percent, go for it,” she says “it’s wonderfully rewarding and I have never ever been bored at work. Medicine can be a hard slog, however, there are now more opportunities to work part time if you are trying to combine training with motherhood (or any other pursuit outside of medicine!)” Elizabeth generously offers her guidance to the next generation by adding, “I am very happy to chat with any Ascham girls that might have an interest in getting into the industry.”
Annabel Millet (Clark 2000)
Image: Dr Elizabeth Maxwell (2000)
