Frances Pitsilis
Frances Pitsilis (born 2 May 1959), also known as Dr. Frances, is an integrated medicine doctor and radio and television personality. Pitsilis first came to prominence in New Zealand in 2012 after appearing On the Television show Is Modern Medicine [...] You?.
Early life and education
Pitsilis was born in Melbourne, Australia to Helen and Peter, who had emigrated from Greece in the mid 1950s.
Pitsilis graduated from Monash University in Victoria, Australia in 1981 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery after six years of study.
At the age of 18 Pitsilis’ father was diagnosed as having lung cancer. He battled the disease for four years, before dying in 1981.
Career
In the first years of her career Pitsilis worked in various hospitals in Melbourne and Auckland, after emigrating to New Zealand in 1983. Whilst working in Auckland Pitsilis decided she would like to pursue a career in general medicine.
Since graduating from Monash University, Pitsilis has gone on to receive other qualifications, including Antiageing, Regenerative and Preventative Medicine, a Diploma in Obstetrics and a Diploma in Occupational Medicine. She is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
Pitsilis has worked in general medicine for more than 25 years during which time she has adopted an ‘integrated’ approach to medicine. She treats patients holistically, using evidence-based natural and complementary therapies and lifestyle interventions where appropriate.
Media appearances
Television
Pitsilis appeared on Is Modern Medicine [...] You?, a factual series that challenged the approach of modern medicine to treating patients primarily with prescription medication. The show, which first aired in New Zealand on TV One in 2012, rated highly and was met with critical acclaim.
Each episode featured two patients who had tried, with no or limited success, to get well using a number of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication or less-than-conventional remedies. Pitsilis treated patients featured on the show using integrated medicine, focusing on healing the whole person rather than just the site of illness.
Pitsilis also regularly appeared on popular morning television show, Breakfast on TV One, to discuss integrated medicine solutions to common health problems, between 2008 to 2010.
Radio
Pitsilis, who is the ‘Coast Radio Doctor’ on Coast radio station, is one of more than 15 contributors on the station who provide listeners with advice. She has previously been a regular guest on the Kerre’s Café show on Newstalk ZB radio.
Personal life
Pitsilis met her husband, Andrew Bignall, whilst on an overseas holiday. She immigrated to New Zealand in 1983 to be with Bignall and they were married shortly thereafter in 1988.
Pitsilis currently lives in Auckland with her husband.