In aid of charity and good health, it's no more dry doctor for Marco Bonollo as he takes swimming lessons Dr Marco Bonallo is learning to swim. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: HeraldSun A GROUNDED Melbourne doctor is making a splash by learning to swim. Dr Marco Bonollo, a nephrologist at The Alfred, has decided to switch the stethoscope for Speedos to turn the tide on his sedentary lifestyle. The doctor, who gained prominence as broadcaster Derryn Hinch's physician, has spent countless hot summers staring wistfully at the deep-water pool in his backyard. Even his children, aged 4 and 8, are well on their way to clocking up the laps. But like many Australians with migrant parents, Dr Bonollo was never taught to swim, leaving him a little like a fish out of water. "They didn't have the background of swimming in pools or the open ocean - I mean, can you name an Italian swimming champion?" he said. He has set an ambitious goal: to learn to swim in just one month for charity, his children's safety, as an example for his patients and to help his own health. "I'm 46, middle-aged and I'm overweight," Dr Bonollo said. In the 13 years I've been a specialist I have gained 10kg, so how can I expect my patients to lose weight when I'm gaining it? The medic has signed up to Swimtember. He said his second professional lesson in a 50m pool was the only time he doubted his ability to reach his goal. By the time he had thrashed his way to the end of the pool, he was cramping, sweating and exhausted. "I knew this was going to be the hardest physical challenge I have ever done and I thought maybe I had too much hubris and I wouldn't make it," he said. But support from colleagues, patients and family have spurned Dr Bonollo on. He is having three lessons a week to meet his goal before the end of this month. Already he is buoyant after shaving off 3kg, but he's not stopping there. Dr Bonollo is determined to make this a platform for a life change. He has also overhauled his diet and given up alcohol. He said he would even make like Michael Klim and shave his hair to take a few seconds off his lap times. Dr Bonollo will donate the money he raises through Swimtember to The Alfred's cardiac unit. Net link: swimtember.org.au