Profile
Kerman Kahlon: a trainee's journey into palliative care
The Palliative Care and Acute General Medicine Trainee reflects on an unplanned career path, the conversations that matter most, and building a future in Aotearoa New Zealand.
RACP – Kia ora, Dr Kahlon. Welcome to RACP Specialists Week, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us. To begin, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Dr Kahlon – Kia ora and thank you for having me. I’m originally from the United Kingdom and am a first-generation British Indian – my parents were raised in India. I completed an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Warwick, followed by a medical degree at Queen’s University Belfast.
What initially drew you to medicine, and what has your training journey looked like?
Honestly, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a doctor. I was always interested in science, which led me to study Biomedical Science. But halfway through that degree, I realised that lab work wasn’t for me. It was actually my parents who encouraged me to apply for medicine during my final year. I was initially hesitant, but applied to four universities and was fortunate to receive an interview at Queen’s University Belfast – the rest is history!
During medical school, I did an elective in Endocrinology at Waikato Hospital, which is when I fell in love with Aotearoa New Zealand. It became a dream of mine to return as a qualified doctor. After working in the UK for two years, I came to New Zealand on a working holiday and started at Palmerston North Hospital. About six months into that trip, COVID hit – and what was meant to be a six-month adventure turned into six years. I’ve since joined the RACP and, after 18 months in Palmerston North, I moved to Christchurch, where I’ve been ever since.
Did you receive any support when transitioning into the New Zealand system?
I felt very supported at Palmerston North Hospital. Luckily, there were five other British doctors who started around the same time, which helped us all feel like we were in it together. I started out as a house officer, and the registrars and SMOs were genuinely interested in supporting and mentoring us.
However, when I joined the RACP, there wasn’t much personal engagement – it was a fairly straightforward sign-up process, and that was it. I think a welcome call or an introductory conversation about what to expect and how the College could support new trainees would have gone a long way. That’s why I really appreciated the NZ Member Engagement team visiting Christchurch Hospital – they spoke with trainees and IMGs, listened to our experiences, answered questions, and just made the College feel more approachable. It was nice to put faces to the organisation.
""I found the palliative conversations to be some of the most meaningful parts of my day. They gradually became the first conversations I'd want to have."
What led you to pursue training in both Palliative Care and Acute General Medicine?
Palliative Care wasn’t on my radar initially. In fact, I had deferred a GP training position in Liverpool to come to New Zealand. But while working in Oncology in Palmerston North – and often being thrown in the deep end during Gen Med runs – I found the palliative conversations to be some of the most meaningful parts of my day. They gradually became the first conversations I’d want to have. I realised how vital quality of life and dying with dignity are, and I began to form deeper connections with patients than I’d experienced before.
As for General and Acute Medicine – I love the pace, the variety, and the team dynamic. You touch on so many different specialties, and I think it pairs really well with Palliative Care, especially in the context of an aging population.
"When people feel they can trust you and open up about what they're going through, that's incredibly humbling."
What do you find most rewarding in your work?
It’s being part of the journey with patients and their whānau. When people feel they can trust you and open up about what they’re going through, that’s incredibly humbling. Being able to listen, support, and help them find comfort – that’s the part of medicine I value most.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Palliative Care in New Zealand?
Workforce fatigue and burnout are significant issues. There are passionate and capable trainees coming through the system, but often no jobs available for them, despite increasing need. Our population is aging, yet we lack the infrastructure and workforce in Palliative Care to meet that demand. It’s a growing concern that urgently needs addressing.
How do you unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
My five-year-old black Labrador, Ollie, takes up most of my evenings – he’s full of energy and keeps us on our toes! I also enjoy going to the gym, which is my way of de-stressing. I’m a big sports fan – I’ll watch pretty much anything, but I’m especially passionate about football. I support Liverpool FC and try to catch a match whenever I’m back in the UK. I also love catching up with friends over coffee or a good movie.
Thanks again, Dr Kahlon. It’s been a pleasure hearing your story.
Thank you – it’s been a pleasure to share it. I really appreciate the opportunity.