For Gold Coast Health Dr Jessamine (Jessie) Liu, caring for older adults is about more than managing medical complexity – it’s about humanity, connection and restoring dignity when people need it most. A Staff Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, Dr Liu combines clinical precision with compassion, helping patients and families navigate some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
Tell us about your career journey and what led you to care for older adults…
I was drawn to geriatric medicine early in my training because of the unique combination of complexity, teamwork and humanity that defines the care of older adults.
This specialty demands both intellect and empathy. It’s medicine that rewards curiosity and patience. The combination of science, problem-solving and person-centred care is what drew me in and what continues to inspire me every day.
What do you find most rewarding about caring for older adults?
The most rewarding aspect is helping patients and families navigate what is often a vulnerable and uncertain stage of life. It might be restoring independence after a fall or hip fracture, supporting safe discharge home wherever possible, or ensuring comfort, respect and dignity through all stages of life.
Seeing the relief on a patient’s or family member’s face when they feel heard and cared for reminds me why our work matters.
What role did you play in shaping the design or care models within the new H Block?
I was fortunate to be involved in the early planning discussions for H Block, focusing on how different models of care could best support older adults with varying needs.
My contribution centred on clinical flow and ensuring that patients who need us most can access our services quickly and safely. It’s been rewarding to see those ideas take shape in the new space.
From a clinician’s perspective, what’s one feature of H Block that excites you most?
Simple design choices make a world of difference. Natural light, wider corridors for mobility, outdoor spaces and accessible bathrooms all support recovery, safety and wellbeing.
These features might appear modest, but their impact is profound – they reduce delirium, restore confidence and help patients regain independence faster. H Block is proof that thoughtful design is a form of care in itself.
What difference will this new environment make for patients, their families and the wider community?
For patients, H Block provides a calmer, safer environment that supports personalised recovery and care for those with cognitive impairment.
Families can feel more comfortable and at ease staying involved in their loved one’s care, with welcoming spaces that encourage connection and open communication with the multidisciplinary team.
For the wider community, H Block gives the community confidence that we, as a health service, value older adults and are investing our resources to meet the needs of an ageing population.
Can you share a memorable moment where you saw the impact of compassionate, person-centred care?
One patient I’ll never forget was struggling with delirium after hip-fracture surgery. They were distressed and frightened and their family felt helpless. We focused on managing pain, sleep and nutrition, as well as treatment of a concurrent bladder infection. We involved them in their care, found out what mattered to them and helped create familiarity – their family brought in music and photos from home.
During the next few days, their confusion eased, their mood lifted and the family saw the person they knew returning. That experience reinforced for me how compassion, patience and collaboration can change outcomes in ways medicine alone cannot.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunity in caring for older adults?
The biggest opportunity lies in re-imagining aged care as proactive, coordinated and personalised. We need to strengthen the links between hospitals, primary care and community services so people can live well at home for longer.
The challenge lies in meeting growing demand while continuing to elevate the quality and compassion of care. With innovation, collaboration and strong advocacy, I believe we can shape a health service that empowers older adults to live well and thrive.
Lastly, how do you look after yourself?
I recharge by spending time with my family outdoors – running with my children, exploring the beaches and parks around the Gold Coast and reading whenever I can steal a quiet moment. Those simple routines help me reset and remind me of life beyond medicine.
