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 →

Broome Time

There are some times as a locum when I have to pinch myself and think “Really? Am I actually getting paid to be here? Wow, what a life!” Spending three weeks in Broome for my latest work trip was one of those times. With a population of around 16 000, Broome is the biggest and best known … Continue reading →

Dr Penny Wilson vs. Casey Parker on PCOS

Originally posted on FOAM4GP:
Hi All Following on from Dr Rob’s post on men with an inadequate testosterone level – this week Penny and I are exploring the other end of the spectrum – the ladies with a little too much androgen – yes – the very common, yet entirely confusing PCOS podcast. No…

World Family Doctor Day

Today, May 19th, is World Family Doctor Day. This is the day when we general practitioners / family physicians / primary care doctors get to sit back, crack out the party poppers and pat ourselves on the back for the good work we do for our patients and communities. Here in Australia, we instinctively know … Continue reading →

What Should We Teach Trainees?

I’m in the very privileged position of having a small amount of influence in the delivery of general practice training in my part of the world. I’ve been involved in a number of thought-provoking discussions recently about what is essential education for trainees on their pathway to independent practice. I’m interested to find out from other recent graduates … Continue reading →

Feeling at Home in Hedland

When I told people that I was going to work in Port Hedland for a few weeks, the typical response was a wrinkled nose, a sympathetic murmur, or a well meaning warning … “you know it’s a bit of a shithole, right?” Admittedly, Hedland is not the most picturesque place in Australia. The landscape is stark; unfathomably long … Continue reading →

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

I’m into my second year as a locum now and my search continues for the perfect country town to call home. After a fairly length break from clinical work, 2014 kicked off with a four week stint in the wild west town of Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is an historic gold rush town, established alongside the “Golden Mile,” … Continue reading →