From premature baby to paediatrician: Jamie’s journey comes full circle

Thirty-three years ago, Jamie Hullick was welcomed into this world six weeks early. He spent his first few weeks of life in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Royal Darwin Hospital. Today, he walks those same corridors – this time in scrubs, caring for premature and sick babies as a paediatrician.

What brought him full circle is a commitment to giving vulnerable newborns the best possible start in life – a journey shaped by his own beginnings and the values and hard work instilled in him by his parents.

A difficult start to a strong future

When Jamie’s mum, 22-year-old Suzie, went into early labour, nothing prepared her for what lay ahead. Her baby boy arrived early via emergency caesarean. What she remembers most is sitting on the floor of the shower before going into the operating theatre, overwhelmed and frightened, but comforted by her husband Andy.

After his birth, Jamie was taken straight to the NICU, next door to the hospital where Suzie was recovering. She wouldn’t properly lay eyes on her tiny son until the following day, wouldn’t be able to hold him for some time, and wouldn’t get to be with him as much as she wanted to.

Weighing just over two kilos, Jamie was fed through a tube and surrounded by tape, drips, and machines.

Those first weeks were nothing like the new-mother experience Suzie had imagined.

“You dream of the fairy tale – the natural birth, the car seat ready, the nursery set up, the breastfeeding, cuddling him, spending lots of time together. We had none of that. Instead, I went home without my baby, and I felt so disconnected,” Suzie said.

Suzie also had worries that she didn’t expect to have when her first child was born: Would Jamie’s lungs develop properly? Would he be able to run and play like other children? Would he face lifelong health challenges?

“He was so tiny. I feared he wouldn’t be strong enough. I worried about feeding him, I worried about the tape on his skin. Nothing felt natural,” she said.

Despite his fragile start, Jamie grew into a robust and healthy child. He became an active sportsman, representing the Northern Territory in hockey at national level.

Academically, he stood out for his extraordinary memory and love of learning. In his teenage years, he became set on becoming a doctor. And, according to his mum, he’s always been amazing with kids.

Pictured above left is Jamie in NICU at Royal Darwin Hospital, and above right – today, Jamie cares for sick and premature babies as a paediatrician at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Finding purpose

Jamie completed a biomedical science degree before earning a scholarship through the Northern Territory Government to study medicine. Along the way, he worked in Indigenous communities, gaining early experience working with children.

Jamie found his calling in paediatrics, discovered through his love of working with children, and driven by the belief that children are vulnerable and deserve the best care.

“The only time I consistently felt excited to go to work was when I was working with kids,” he said.

“Almost never is it a child’s fault that they’re unwell. They deserve every chance and the best care.”

That belief now guides his work in the very same NICU where he began life. Often, he draws on his own story to reassure worried families.

“When I talk to parents of premature babies, I can say: I was born here, too. It will be OK. Things will work out and we’re going to do all of the things that your baby needs to make sure that they get the best start.”

The rewards and heartbreaks

For Jamie, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is helping families navigate the stress of the NICU.

“It’s a unique place, full of alarms and machines. Being able to explain what’s happening, reassure parents, and sometimes stabilise a newborn so they can have their first cuddle – that’s incredibly special.”

But there are also moments of deep heartbreak.

“Losing a premature baby in the intensive care is always incredibly gut-wrenching. The grief that families experience is devastating. Fortunately, it’s not common, but I think it is without doubt the hardest part of working in intensive care, especially in the NICU.”

Jamie’s sense of purpose is closely tied to community, and he sees his work as a way of giving back to Darwin, the place that gave him his start.

“I feel very connected to this community, and it’s a privilege to be able to live and work here alongside the Larrakia people,” he said.

“Aboriginal families face such unfair health challenges, and I want to help bridge these inequities. It’s critical for me moving forward to walk alongside Aboriginal people and see their communities empowered to shape culturally appropriate care and improve outcomes for their families.”

Looking to the future

Neonatal care has advanced enormously since Jamie’s first weeks of life. He points to CPAP and improved surfactant therapy as game-changers, allowing babies to breathe without intubation.

Skin-to-skin contact, now known as kangaroo care, has also become standard practice, something his mum wishes she had experienced more of when he was born.

“Seeing a struggling baby’s breathing ease when they’re on their mum’s chest shows just how important those changes are,” Jamie said.

Looking ahead, Jamie hopes to see smarter automation in neonatal care – systems that finely regulate oxygen to keep babies stable and safeguard their developing brains and lungs – together with breakthroughs in neuroprotection that could transform long-term outcomes.

“I’d like us to reduce the burden of conditions like cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment so that every child has the same opportunities as others.”

Full circle

For Suzie, watching her son’s journey has been a source of immense pride:

“You’re proud of your kids no matter what they do and what they choose. The fact that Jamie chose paediatrics is such a contribution to families and to his community. We need people like him.”

“He’s worked so hard. Nothing came easy, but he’s resilient. And there’s no doubt he loves what he does. You can see it when he walks in the door, even if it’s been a hard day.”

Medicine and neonatal care have advanced enormously in 30 years, but one thing remains unchanged: the resilience of premature babies and the dedication of those who care for them.

The tiny baby who once lay in an incubator now stands beside those same machines – this time as the doctor giving fragile newborns the best possible chance at life.

A heartfelt thank you to Jamie, and to all the dedicated health professionals at Royal Darwin Hospital, for the extraordinary care and support you provide to precious babies and their families every day.

Pictured is Josie, Jamie, Suzi, Andrew, and Jason Hullick, Georgia Sullivan at their family trek around Mount Blanc.