Dr Antony Winkel is one of the Sunshine Coast’s leading neurologists, spearheading breakthroughs in nerve and muscle disorders. From his early work in Geelong and Melbourne to relocating to the Sunshine Coast, Antony’s journey is defined by compassion, cutting-edge science, and a commitment to a balanced life.
In this conversation, Dr Winkel reflects on how exponential developments in brain science are transforming lives, offering hope to those once given none. He shares the personal toll of medicine, the shifting culture of work-life balance in healthcare, and the privilege of witnessing both suffering and resilience up close.
You will walk away with fresh perspectives on success, mortality, mental health, and what it truly means to help others.
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Antony's Quick Fire Answers
What does success mean to you?
"Success for me is no longer about personal achievements. I think if my kids grow up and they want to spend as much time with me as they do now, that’ll be a life well-lived."
What does happiness mean to you?
"Happiness is mostly reflecting gratitude. Everyone has a cross to bear, but I feel incredibly lucky, healthy family, amazing place to live, fulfilling work. That’s happiness."
What’s your normal morning routine these days?
"If I can get up, get into the gym by 6, start the day right… walk my little boy to school… then it’s head down in my laptop and into the admin dungeon."
What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see?
"It’s not about you. No one else is actually watching. I would’ve been much happier if I’d known that."
Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show?
"Someone who’s lived through something awful, like muscular dystrophy or motor neurone disease. I’d be curious what success and happiness mean to them, because their emotional resilience is remarkable."
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Listen To The Podcast
https://pod.link/1683066164?view=apps&sort=popularity
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Find Us On Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod
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Chapters
(00:00:00) - Introduction
(00:00:36) – Chapter 1 | Why Dr Antony Chose Medicine
Antony reflects on his early years in medicine, his unexpected path into neurology, and the pivotal moment in a stroke unit that shifted his entire trajectory. He opens up about the pressure, the privilege, and the pace of change in brain science today.
(00:08:52) – Chapter 2 | The Realities of Studying or Working in Medicine
Why are Australians still struggling to see specialists? Dr Winkel unpacks the systemic challenges in neurology, especially in rural areas, and the uncomfortable truth about how triage, funding, and bias affect patient outcomes.
(00:18:15) – Chapter 3 | Work-Life Balance in a Broken System
Antony shares what a day in his life looks like, from morning workouts and school runs to hospital rounds and research. He explains how intentional living, maturity, and the support of his family helped him reclaim balance after years of burnout.
(00:39:28) – Chapter 4 | Facing Death and Finding Perspective
Having witnessed hundreds of patients confront the end of life, Antony shares raw reflections on mortality, regrets, and what really matters. He discusses why society needs to talk more openly about death, and why doctors often avoid it.
(00:47:58) – Chapter 5 | The Future of Brain Health & Human Connection
From AI scribes to gene-driven diagnostics, Antony explores where medicine is heading, but warns of what we risk losing.
(00:53:17) - Quick Fire Questions
(00:57:28) - Outro
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#podcast #medicine #worklifebalance
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