Get to know the staff at Clinic 42 and what makes them so passionate about the work they do.
Dr Ellen Selkon
MBChB, FRNZCGP, MNZSCM
Where did you grow up?
I was born and brought up in Cape Town. My dad was from England and so we moved and lived there for four years but came back to South Africa, which was home.
I went to medical school at Stellenbosch in the Cape. It was an Afrikaans university, so I quickly had to learn the language for all of the lectures! Day one was a nightmare.
As a doctor, I’ve lived and worked in the UK and South Africa prior to emigrating to NZ in 1997.
What made you want to become a doctor?
I wanted to be a doctor from a young age. I was fascinated by how the body worked and how it healed. I was the kid who always bandaged her dolls and helped the neighbourhood kids with their cuts and scrapes.
How did you end up in cosmetic medicine?
I was working 60-hour weeks in general practice and was feeling a bit burnt out. I spoke to a good friend, Dr Joanna, who suggested I try cosmetic medicine. It sounded like a fabulous outlet for my artistic side, allowing me to try and experience something new.
I participated in the NZSCM training programme and was in the second lot of graduates to complete the fellowship in 2009. I worked for Skin Institute initially, joining Clinic 42 in 2011. I love being in partnership with Lynn and Joanna as we all have different strengths and together make an amazing team.
What is your favourite treatment and why?
For me my two favourite treatments are Botulinum toxin and True Lift. With Botulinum toxin often you’re treating people for the first time and they’re hesitant to be dipping their toe into the cosmetic world. When you follow up two weeks later, they’re ecstatic and wonder what took them so long. I love to see the satisfaction and delight this treatment brings. I was taught the True Lift procedure by the founder. I’ve seen so many amazing results – it can change the way people look at themselves, improving confidence. It’s a procedure that can enhance almost everybody.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a doctor?
I’d probably be teaching, but I’ve been lucky enough to combine both. I’m a national trainer for Galderma, giving me access to all the latest products and keeping me in touch with a large network of trainers from around the world. Due to demand, we’ve also recently set up Academy 42 for experienced nurses wanting to continue expanding their cosmetic skills.
We look forward to profiling Dr Joanna Romanowska and Dr Lynn Theron in upcoming issues, finding out more about founding one of Auckland’s first cosmetic clinics and the how they’ve remained at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years.
If you would like to make an appointment to see any of the team at Clinic 42, or to find out about their wide range of procedures, call on 09 638 4242 or head to the website clinic42.co.nz.
