Are GPs born with the sucker gene?
By way of background, I must state that I am pissed off with the world in general and Homo sapiens in particular. I am not…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
I’ve never been so grateful to be an Australian GP — the NHS is dire
Previously, I discussed my temporary relocation to the UK, where I briefly touched on my decision to take a gap year rather than work as…
Whack-a-mole medicine in an age of patients with alternative facts
Once upon a time, getting caught in a lie, especially a hand-in-the-cookie-jar one, carried consequences. Shame, maybe a grovelling apology. A promise to do better…
Are you an expert or just a doctor with a platform?
Free speech. Hate speech. Cancelled speech. Who has the right to speak? Can doctors who have never been involved in the research or use of…
I don’t mind patients with lists, but double appointments grind my gears
In my twilight years of general practice, I’ve begun to be amused, rather than dismayed, by the patient who refers to a list of medical…
A simple pulse check could save lives — so why aren’t we doing it?
As a cardiologist and stroke researcher, I’ve spent years researching and learning about the dangers of atrial fibrillation (AF). This common condition can lead to…
The AIR wants GPs to record pregnancy status for over-65s — what a load of bupkis!
Yiddish is well regarded for its colourful, humorous expressions, full of nuance and irony. Yiddish words seem very apropos to our work as GPs, especially…
More bulk-billing is fine, but what the health system really needs is genuine reform
Worrying signs are emerging about aspects of Australia’s health system, which will require the attention of whoever wins the May election. Despite big money pledged…
She trusted her mother who swore she was vaccinated. The blood test said otherwise
The young woman sat in my consulting room, there to talk about getting proof of her vaccination status for the allied health course she was…
No doctor dies wishing for another on-call shift, so why is striking a work-life balance so hard?
One of my favourite questions to ask other doctors is: “If I was to take your job away from you right now, what would you…
