#badEMfest18: So BAD it’s good.

It’s been quite a while since a conference blew my mind, and having been to four SMACC conferences, I’ve seen the best of the best. But with #badEMfest18, the team from Brave African Discussions in Emergency Medicine has pulled off a conference so insanely good, it has set a new bar for conferences everywhere. But what, … Continue reading →

Why Men in Maternity Matter.

In Australia, as in many other parts of the world, male doctors are becoming a threatened species in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Women now make up the overwhelming majority of trainees – roughly 80% across the country – and the numbers are increasing.  Our very own RANZCOG president, Dr Steve Robson, is a … Continue reading →

All that “GP stuff” in the Emergency Department

“We are just FULL of GP stuff today. We’re pretty much just running a GP clinic” you say, with a big sigh and roll of the eyes. You’re an emergency nurse or maybe a doctor. You’re frustrated because you are working your butt off, haven’t had a lunch break or time for a wee and still people … Continue reading →

A Mother’s Day Tribute to Everyone

Today is Mother’s Day; the day in which we pay tribute to our beloved mothers as a sign of appreciation for gestating us, pushing us our into the world through their nether-regions, then keeping us alive through the vomit soaked days our vulnerable babyhood, through the tantrums of our toddler years, the tribulations of schooling, … Continue reading →

FREEDOM!

Half a lifetime ago, I signed up to a contract that would affect every major life decision in ways that I could barely begin to imagine. I’ve now fulfilled my side of the bargain and for the first time in my life, feel a complete sense of freedom. This blog started as I began my return … Continue reading →

“Oh You’re a Doctor! Would You Mind Just Having a Look at This Rash…?”

I seriously considered lying about my job; pretending I was a retail salesperson or a primary school teacher. Something self-explanatory that wouldn’t invite too much polite inquiry or encourage technical discussion from a genuine expert in the field. Alas I am a terrible liar, and to maintain the pretence for any length of time would have been impossible for an open … Continue reading →

The End of the Locum Road

After nearly 2 years, 13 jobs in 11 different towns across 4 states, having taken 85 flights and slept in more different beds than I’d care to count, my time as a locum has finally come to an end. I originally left my cushy city life in order to fulfill my return of service obligations … Continue reading →

A Delightful Encounter between the Arts and Medicine

Although firmly grounded in science, there is no doubt that the day-to-day practice of medicine involves a fair amount of art. However, in the somewhat sterile world of the doctor’s consulting room, it is rare privilege to encounter “the arts” of the more creative, rather than clinical kind. I encountered such a moment this morning while conducting a … Continue reading →

Putting Down Roots

After more than a year of stepping off aeroplanes and into unknown adventures, there is something nice about being met at the baggage carousel by a friendly face and a “welcome home.” Well, not technically home yet, but certainly starting to feel that way. I’m back in Broome for another few weeks, still a locum, but … Continue reading →

Limiting Scope of Practice in GP: A Philosophical Dilemma

Most GPs I know pride themselves on being true generalists, and have gravitated towards this area of medicine because they enjoy the challenge and variety that comes with the territory. They also tend to value holistic, patient-centered care and the satisfaction that comes with long term doctor-patient relationships.   Inevitalby, though, each GP has strengths and … Continue reading →