Meet Dr Michelle White MBBS FRACGP

After 20 years’ experience as a GP and skin doctor, my focus is purely giving help to those who need it. And so Nauro Skin + Body by Dr. Michelle was born. ‘Nauro' meaning beautiful skin in the Lavongai language of my Mother in PNG. But irrespective of the skin complaint, it’s never just about the skin. I provide a holistic approach to good health - mind, body, and spirit. So, whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years since you’ve spoken to someone about a health concern, I am here.

My earliest memories are of being immersed in nature. Foraging for plants and learning about their medicinal properties. As a child I grew up with my feet in 2 separate worlds: half my heritage is born from the luscious landscape of Papua New Guinea, the other half: the diverse lands of Australia.

When I was old enough, I boarded at The Cathedral School in Townsville and my holidays were spent in the Gulf of Carpentaria. I grew up deeply involved in First Nation’s culture. Learning from the bush medicine women and exploring Far North Queensland. Eager to help, I often went to ‘work’ with the community nurses. I would deliver meals on wheels, visit the elderly, and go out on house calls with my dad. It was my job to put the flares out for the flying doctor! I quickly learned the realities of rural life and those early experiences gave me a deep respect and awe for what it means to contribute to community. What we did mattered. What I did was impactful.

I never wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to be a jazz singer in New York. Wearing a red slinky dress and entertaining broody customers. But I suppose medicine was my calling. I started studying in WA but when an opportunity came up to travel the bush, I jumped at it. I was involved in the making of bush medicine documentaries for the ABC and Discovery Channel. I travelled the world and when I finally came back to Townsville, I gave in to my appetite for medicine and completed my MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University.

The focus on skin health has been a key factor throughout my life. I’ve always had eczema. I had to wear gloves at night to stop the scratching and use wet dressings. I experienced flare-ups dependant on stress levels and diet. I understand what it is like to manage something that will always be there. How our environment affects the skin was always a key element of my younger, ‘bush nurse’ training too. As a parent, it’s difficult to juggle competing health and wellbeing priorities. Yes you want your children to be healthy with plenty of outdoor play and social activities. But taking responsibility for one’s own health is something I believe we all struggle with. If we get used to not putting ourselves last, then the whole family will benefit.

Whenever you are ready.

Michelle