Member Spotlight

The Newman Family

For this family of doctors, medicine is more than a profession—it's a generational passion. Their connection to the medical profession is embedded in family history, hard work, and a shared commitment to good medical practice. Whether it is working on the family farm or enjoying time with the grandkids, Dr Mark Newman (Member since 1978), Dr Fiona Bettenay (Member since 1978) and Dr Sarah Newman (Member since 2005) know the value of having MDA National by their side.

Watch the video below for more of Mark, Fiona and Sarah Newman's story

A love story that started in medical school

Encouraged by his father, who had always wanted to become a doctor but never had the opportunity, Mark joined the Medical School in Western Australia. There, he met Fiona, who chose medicine as an obvious, pragmatic choice for a high-achieving student and love of the science. The top two medical students got married and made it to the newspaper, writing a true medical school love story.

Needless to say, the two brightest medical students became standout professionals in WA. Mark, a cardiothoracic surgeon, translated his natural talent for craftsmanship into an interest in lifesaving surgery. "Every operation was a life or death situation. But very rewarding when it comes off. Occasionally it doesn't, but mostly it does, and patients are very appreciative of what we've done for them," he says.

Fiona, on the other hand, unexpectedly found her calling in radiology. After an initial seven-year stint in general practice, Fiona shifted to radiology after a chance conversation at a doctor's cricket match. Although radiology wasn’t her original plan, Fiona quickly flourished, becoming a respected leader in the field, serving on various committees and becoming a WA councillor for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR). In 1996, Fiona made history as the first woman to serve MDA National as a director, leading the way for other women in leadership roles in the organisation.

Good medical practice passed down through the generations

For a long time, Mark and Fiona didn't think their children would be interested in medicine, but for Sarah Newman, the journey into medicine felt like a natural path.

Sarah found her rhythm in general practice, which allows her to make an impact on patients' lives while also maintaining a life outside of medicine. "It's also good because it has the flexibility. My husband is also a doctor, and we've been able to live lives with our kids a lot easier than previous generations of doctors have."

Sarah now values the experience of passing on knowledge. "I do some medical teaching to students. They'll take that with them through the rest of their career and they'll give it to someone else. It's an amazing feeling."

For Sarah, the family mentorship has been invaluable, especially during difficult moments in her career when she could get advice from both Mark and Fiona as parents and career mentors. "Certainly, when I had some tough times with patient outcomes, it's been really useful to talk to my mum and dad about their experiences. Hearing that from your family is even more profound."

Feeling supported by your MDO

Beyond family, Sarah has found a strong professional support system through MDA National. "I've always felt safe when I've got advice from them. It's really reassuring, especially as a GP working by yourself in the room. Sometimes, you just need to speak to someone."

Sarah now encourages her trainees to see the value of having a supportive MDO by their side and to pick up the phone when they need any advice.