Dr Marina McPherson
Member Spotlight
Dr Marina McPherson is the founder and Principal GP at Thryve Family Practice.
When you're not being called 'Mum', what name/nickname do you prefer to be called?
I don’t really have a nick name. It’s either mum, muuuuuuuuuum or babe. I have one friend who calls me Mars… that’s probably as exacting as it gets:)
What is the best thing about being a mum?
I guess discovering the breadth with which I could love; the unconditional and forgiving love that I get back. The joy that I can experience just by looking at my children’s faces when they are loving life. And then there are moments when I look at them, and realise how cool they are as people and how lucky I am to share my life with them.
What is the most challenging thing about being a mum?
Being a mum today is really hard. The juggle of being a perfect mum, have a perfectly made home and have a rewarding career is always there. What I’m trying to master now, is being okay with imperfect… and this is always a work in progress. I think another aspect that I have found very hard over the years, is finding the right balance… the balance between gentleness and boundaries; wanting to assist and fostering independence; rescuing and allowing for mistakes to be made.
What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about health and wellbeing. I’m passionate about being mindful of what we allow to pass through our body; whether it’s food or materials we expose ourselves to; and how it impacts our health and wellbeing. I’m passionate about education and would love to somehow bring this into the curriculum of our children and our community, so that people have a greater understanding of how powerful they are in shaping the state of their health.
What is something that you have done that you are proud of?
“The last three years have been very difficult for all of us. Living through this time with a compass of compassion, kindness and authenticity is something that I am proud of”
The last three years have been very difficult for all of us. Living through this time with a compass of compassion, kindness and authenticity is something that I am proud of. Discovering my own personal strength and commitments in this time has allowed me to meet a part of myself that I had not previously known.
What is your favourite thing to do or places to go to unwind?
I love the simple pleasures: spending time at the beach, family walks on some local trails, sharing delicious meal with good friends, watching a favourite show on Netflix with my husband, reading, knitting, yoga, a latte at my favourite cafe. Having said that, recently for a work function, I went axe-throwing, and that was extremely satisfying!
“Being outside on an adventure with the family is my sweet spot”.