Dr Danielle McMullen in action

Dr Danielle McMullen in action

AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen, was highly sought after for media commentary during COVID, appearing in more than 570 news segments. 

Q. We calculated that you’ve done over 570 media appearances in your time as AMA (NSW) President, does that surprise you?

A: It’s hard to believe now – over two years, that’s nearly one every day. Overall, it’s been a huge privilege doing it through the COVID-19 pandemic. To be asked back by media outlets time and time again is a great feeling. We’ve all worked hard to try and make AMA (NSW)’s voice a sensible, reliable voice to look out for our doctors and the public, and we must have been getting some of that right because they kept asking us back. But yeah, that’s a lot of hair and makeup!

Q: Were you apprehensive about taking over the
AMA (NSW) Presidency in May 2020, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was really taking hold across the world?

A: There were a lot of unknowns at the time, but I had a great team at the AMA to support me so that made it easier. I also felt strongly that the AMA had an important role to play in being a voice for the profession and I was grateful for the opportunity to do that. 

Q: Your busiest month was August 2021 with 62 media appearances, can you recall what was happening at that time?
A: That was mid-lockdown, but I don’t remember it being that busy. In lockdown you didn’t have much other stuff going on, so doing that many appearances just didn’t seem so all consuming. Right now, I feel busy because there’s so much going on; like trying to do real-life, trying to work, trying to do COVID things, whereas back then, I didn’t have anything to do on the weekends so I may as well have done some media.

Q: Have you ever had a ‘fangirl’ moment?

A: Yes! Hamish MacDonald was in my backyard. It was during lockdown, and they texted me saying, “hey, the cameraman is coming to do a segment for the news, oh and we’re also sending Hamish MacDonald” – I was like what?! THE Hamish?! And then sure enough, there turns up Hamish MacDonald. It was the most awkward interview too as the mic wouldn’t work and then we were trying to social distance – the footage is just hilarious!

Q: You were a regular on Channel 9’s The Today Show – how was that?

A: There was a time when I was on The Today Show so much it was practically a weekly segment, which I joked about with the producers. It was good fun. 

I’ve seen The Today Show in all its forms. They used to have Channel 9 studios in Willoughby and the first time I went on, I got my hair and make-up done, sat in studio with Karl and Ally, and it was all really fancy. 

The next time I went in the studio I had to do my own hair and makeup. 

And then they had the ‘COVID bunker’ – I still went to the studios, they just sent me to a different space so I wasn’t on set with the presenters and was in this little remote studio. 

Then Channel 9 moved studios to North Sydney, but from then on everything was on Zoom from my house. 

They also once set up an outdoor cameraman at the bottom of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was different. 

And then we went back to the North Sydney studio, but I was straight in the bunker. 

Finally, I recently was back on set and back to hair and makeup. So, I’ve done it all there, which probably says how many times I’ve been on.

Q: Do you have a favourite format of interview style?

A: I’ve gotten used to all of them, but I think I find radio and TV easier than the newspapers because you know what’s going to be used. With newspaper, there’s a bit of fear that you’ll talk for 20 minutes, and they’ll only put one line in – and it’s hard to say what that line will be. Having said that, I’ve built some amazing relationships with all journalists, including newspaper reporters. It’s all about the people – they make doing media appearances less nerve-racking.

Q: What’s been your favourite interview?

A: I think my favourite interview was when I was in Rottnest Island and I had a quokka on screen with me in my Zoom call with Dr Kerry Chant. That’s one for the books!

Q: Have you had many moments to stop and reflect on the experience?

A: It feels like normal day-to-day life at the moment, but every now and then I look back and think “wow, most people don’t get to do this”. Being invited on New Zealand TV has been really cool – getting on New Zealand breakfast TV definitely called for some early mornings, but I think the fact it’s made international news and I’m making it onto their stage is just mind-blowing. 

Q: Was there ever a moment you disliked?

A: There were some Twitter trolls, keyboard warriors and all that, so that wasn’t fun. And there were times where it felt like we weren’t making any difference in the COVID outbreak, but I feel like everyone was just frustrated and over it at that point. 

Q: Do you have any tips or tricks for those starting out with regular media appearances?

A: Well, I never use to wear foundation to work but now I wear makeup to work every day and keep an extra lipstick in the handbag as a ‘just in case’. There’s also a blazer just hanging on the back of my office door in case I’ve gone to work in a t-shirt and jeans, I can then look at least somewhat presentable. But overall, I think it’s about remembering you can ask for more time, and you can say no to things. There’s sometimes a pressure to respond right away, but just step back and take your time with your thoughts. And just enjoy it!