Meghan Hill, MBBS, MSc
Meghan Hill, MBBS, MSc
Regular Member
Senior Lecturer,
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Sciences
The University of Auckland
Career Journey
Meghan Hill, MBBS, MSc is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist residing in Auckland, New Zealand. She earned her medical degree in Australia before undergoing training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and then Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the United States. Her Masters of Science was completed following her clinical training and she has focused on translational and clinical research since completing this degree. She has obtained funding to continue investigating mechanisms of labour, mechanisms of stillbirth and to perform clinical trials. Meghan enjoys teaching and has been able to see her students and trainees present at SRI.
Questions
1. What inspired you to choose reproductive sciences?
In medical school I knew I liked procedural medicine but also really enjoyed understanding the mechanisms involved in the study of physiology. I was sold on OBGYN when I completed my first rotation in the specialty. While my peers ‘got through’ their requirements for research during residency, I found myself designing the next project as I completed the required one! Fortunately, I had some wonderful clinical mentors who encouraged me to pursue a research career and tailored educational opportunities so I could succeed.
2. Favorite part of your job?
I love delivering babies, of course. But I also work with amazing colleagues who would do that just as well if I wasn’t there. Research allows me to be truly creative and pursue my own ideas. While it requires patience, research gives us the ability to answer questions and potentially improve treatments, which is a huge privilege.
3. How did you hear about SRI?
I was in residency and one of my attendings recommended it. She said ‘I think that’s the meeting the smart people go to’. That tempted me to see what it was about. My first meeting I knew no-one there, but had no time to feel lonely. I was just amazed by the research being performed by people all around the world as well as their willingness to network and share ideas.
4. What makes SRI your scientific home and how has it helped your career?
The SRI meeting is the one I try not to miss. It is a place I go to be challenged by supportive peers. I find there’s always some inspiration to come out of each session. The mix of clinical, translational and biomedical science content is ideal for a clinician researcher to be exposed to. I was fortunate to obtain an early career researcher grant through SRI. This was a huge step for me. The message was ‘yes, clinicians can do this too’. It validated the idea that I could work in both the clinical and research spaces simultaneously.
5. What would you say to someone considering going into the reproductive sciences field?
It is a great career. There is so much that we are yet to discover about pregnancy and the research in this area is important for improving the lives of generations to come. I think that research mentorship has made my journey far easier and I’ve always found people who are willing to collaborate. There is a lot of positivity and support in the research space.
6. Favorite benefit of SRI?
The meeting or course. It is a great opportunity to meet with like-minded researchers. I learn so much each year that I attend and get to take that inspiration home. I’ve made some good clinical and research connections through the SRI and have several people that I check-in with each meeting.