Name & Professional Title:
Dr Daria Kelly (HonBsc, MBChB, PGDip Paeds, PGDip Skin Cancer)
How long have you been practising medicine?
12 years.
What inspired you to specialise in medicinal cannabis?
I enjoy learning new fields of medicine and believe in holistic approach to health. Medicinal cannabis is an exciting and developing field of medicine with respect to our understanding and recognition of its potential and it enables me to offer more treatment options to my patients.
What is your approach to patient care?
I like getting to know my patients to have a better wholesome understanding of their health and what factors may be preventing them from achieving a better well-being. I believe in active listening and dispelling perceived barriers, while encouraging my patients to identify their priorities and empowering them in owning and leading their health journey.
What do you find most rewarding about working with medicinal cannabis?
I enjoy working with a diverse group of amazing doctors, nurses and other members of the clinical team. The most rewarding, however, is helping my patients find treatment that works while working together on improving other aspects of their well-being like better sleep hygiene, reducing alcohol and nicotine intake, reconnecting with their own GPs for regular check ups.
What are your areas of expertise or special interests within the field?
My special interests are mental health, women’s health including chronic pain management (e.g. endometriosis), sleep issues and ADHD.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in medicinal cannabis?
When I am able, I like to attend conferences on medicinal cannabis, and at other times I attend online webinars and regularly listen to podcasts on developments in medicinal cannabis. I also enjoy monthly CME gatherings with my clinical team where we share knowledge and peer-to peer support.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I like spending time with my family including our mischievous pet (Dixie – Westie/Silky terrier cross). I also love travelling overseas and trying new foods, road trips in NZ, camping and cycling.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to patients considering medicinal cannabis treatment?
Start learning about medicinal cannabis by reading, and asking friends and family that have had experience with medicinal cannabis.
What’s something unique about you that patients might find interesting?
I have lived in Europe and North America before coming to NZ and I can speak 3 languages, I love wearing bright colours and riding a Vespa.
What would you say to patients who are new to the clinic and medicinal cannabis?
Don’t hesitate to connect with our clinical team to discuss medicinal cannabis as an option because of uncertainty, fear or stigma. We are here to help and assist our patients on their health journeys by focussing on non-judgemental care, inclusivity, and education.
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals at CannaPlus+ (such as pharmacists, nurses, etc.) to ensure holistic patient care?
I feel grateful to be part of an amazing clinical team at Cannaplus where we are continuously communicating with each other throughout the day to provide best care to our patients and share insights with each other at regular team meetings to upskill and improve our services.
What conditions or symptoms do you frequently treat with medicinal cannabis?
I often see patients to address treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep issues, chronic pain, and poor appetite.
