OUTSIDE OF THEIR BUSY BRISBANE PRACTICE, COSMETIC PHYSICIAN DR CSILLA NOVAK AND HUSBAND DR DOMINIC WOOD ALWAYS FIND TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSÉ.
Meet Dr Csilla Novak and dermatopathologist Dr Dominic Wood.
The husband-and-wife team run Elysium Skin Centre, a thriving cosmetic medicine and laser practice just north of Brisbane’s CBD.
The practice offers a variety of anti-ageing and rejuvenation treatments, as well as injectables, body contouring and ultrasound and laser technologies for both face and body.
While the daily demands of a busy practice do not escape them, this dynamic duo seems to have mastered the art of balancing work with plenty of play and relaxation.
HOME AND AWAY
The food and cultural scene of Brisbane has grown dramatically over the past 20 years, and offers excellent bars, restaurants and entertainment. ‘Brisbane is an easy city to live in; it’s casual and relaxed,’ says Dr Novak.
‘While we love going to a show and eating out (one of my favourite restaurants in Brisbane is Stokehouse Q), I tend to unwind
at home in the evenings by sharing a good bottle of wine with my husband over a home-cooked meal and a movie.
‘I don’t cook, but my husband loves to and he is an excellent cook. He also loves to grow stuff, so he has a veggie patch and citrus garden. He’s just finished making a batch of rosella jam this weekend.’
Much of their spare time is taken up travelling and planning future adventures. ‘My husband and I are very keen travellers, particularly to places with excellent food and wine,’ says Dr Novak. ‘Italy, France, Spain and New Zealand are favourites. A week-long tour of the Champagne region of France was a particularly amazing experience. We have also enjoyed more adventurous travels, including African safaris, cruising the Galapagos and visiting Machu Picchu. We try to get up to the Whitsundays every second year for a couple of weeks on the water. This is one of the most relaxing holidays – just sun, sea, sand, fresh air and no phones! An Antarctic cruise is planned for 2021. Bora Bora is on my bucket list.
‘While we have eaten in some of the best restaurants in Europe and the US (and enjoyed them a lot), we tend to gravitate towards more informal restaurants that focus on great food and well-priced wine lists.’
SIP HAPPENS
Dr Novak and Dr Wood are avid foodies and wine connoisseurs and have an enviable wine collection. ‘We started collecting in 1985 and have a stable cellar of about 2000 bottles, mainly red wine and champagne. It’s become both a passion and a hobby,’ she says. ‘Oysters topped with caviar matched with champagne is my idea of heaven.’
And her all-time favourite drop? ‘If I could drink only Dom Perignon for the rest of my life I would always be happy (and relaxed)! I love red wine, too. Despite the movie Sideways, Merlot is probably my favourite grape variety. My husband humours me by keeping a few in the cellar!
‘We’ve discussed owning our own vineyard. It’s a romantic idea, but obviously very hard work. We would probably end up drinking all the stock and there would be nothing left to sell!’ AMP
Article sponsored by Medpro Finance. For more information contact natasha.breitman@Medprofinance.com.au or visit www.Medprofinance.com.au
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MY PERFECT WEEKEND IS…
Sleeping in, long lunch, afternoon stroll, watching movies
MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IS…
Del Posto, New York
MY FAVOURITE CAR IS…
Any Lamborghini (no, I don’t have one, but I can dream)
MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAVEL IS…
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
MY FAVOURITE WAY TO LET OFF STEAM IS…
Cuddling my cats
I REWARD MYSELF BY…
Buying clothes and jewellery
IF I HAD MORE TIME I WOULD…
Spring clean my wardrobes (note the plural)
I’M MOST PROUD OF…
My husband, sister, mother and brother-in-law
IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR I WOULD BE…
An astronaut
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BACK TO BUSINESS
How has Medpro Finance helped you grow your cosmetic medicine practice?
Medpro have enabled me to add lasers, body contouring and sculpting machines and other equipment to the clinic, which means I can now offer a broader range of treatments to my patients.
How long have you been working with Medpro Finance and what services have you used?
Ross Andrews has been a personal friend for 25 years. My husband and I have used his financial services for the past 15 years, setting up two businesses, fitting out premises and leasing equipment. Many of our colleagues have done the same. His team has a thorough understanding of the medical industry. We also invest in the Medpro Enhanced Yield Fund, which has significantly accelerated our SMSF investment returns.
Do you feel they better understand the unique challenges faced by the industry?
Absolutely! Young doctors can struggle to get finance from traditional banks until they are well established, but that takes time, effort and money. Medpro understands and values our earning potential and commitment to success, and factors this into their lending strategy. Older doctors are often time-poor and just want an efficient and knowledgeable service that they can trust. Medpro does just that – cutting through the paperwork to provide a service that often requires only a phone call to set up.
How do you plan to use them in the future?
For continued financial services, advice and investment.
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