Dr Tess grew up in the Philippines where she completed her Doctor of Medicine and worked in the Iloilo Provincial Hospital for 15 years. Since 2006, Dr Tess has been working in general practice in Queensland.

"I am drawn to and remain in medicine due to the opportunity to profoundly impact people's lives. It ranges from... helping a patient manage a chronic condition... to offering comfort during vulnerable times."

Dr Tess is fluent in both English and Filipino.