Sam was my patient for nine years — her death raised a dilemma all GPs must face
I have often contemplated how best to grieve for a patient. What sort of feelings should we allow ourselves to have for someone who is…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
I was so far behind I thought another quick consult wouldn’t hurt — I was wrong
I’ve just had a very crappy day and need to tell you about it. I’m going to discuss a number of patients, but be assured…
Are younger doctors really rorting their sick leave entitlements?
Not all that long ago we witnessed the fight of the century, one that represented the never-ending battle between the generations. In one corner, a…
COVID conspiracy theories are making it harder to prevent the next pandemic
In late June, the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), a group of independent experts convened by the World Health Organization…
From birthday lunch to hospital conveyor belt: My care was fragmented but it worked
I’ve just passed the anniversary of my first transient ischaemic attack. I was on my way to my birthday lunch when my speech turned into…
Australia must limit doctors’ right to conscientiously object to procedures, including abortion
A young woman needs an abortion, and the reasons, while urgent, are not medical. A United States Navy nurse at Guantánamo Bay is ordered to…
There’s no shame in age-related cognitive decline, but patients deserve doctors at their sharpest
Dr Sue Ieraci.I don’t know the precise demographics of AusDoc readers, but comments on articles about the relationship between advancing age and fitness to practise…
Kids like Jack made 24 years as a solo paediatrician worthwhile
When I stepped out into the world of private medicine, my mother told me to keep an affirmation file. I took her advice, but I…
Farmer Bob proved that medical jargon can scare patients (almost) to death
We are all familiar with the power of words, whether it be those of kindness or anger, or those intended to harm or to heal.…
A psychologist diagnosed Erin Patterson without examining her. Would you take that risk?
I was astonished to read an article last week in which a psychologist opined that Erin Patterson’s fabrications and lies were consistent with narcissistic personality…
