Opening the doors to lost worlds: me and my dementia patients
A familiar lone figure waits directly behind the security doors of the geriatric ward. There in his mint green pyjamas and long plaid overcoat he…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
Is this rancid culinary ‘treat’ the best description yet for CPD and other GP exasperations?
As five-year-old Nathan’s fan club grows, and anticipation builds for his relocation to Australia, I have yet another endearing anecdote to share. He and Mama…
Naked moonlight bathing: Why do intelligent patients choose mumbo-jumbo ‘cures’ over science?
Patients who don’t believe in science puzzle me. I was reminded of one recently, after Dr Pam Rachootin wrote about being tired of patients harbouring…
‘Guess the script I’ve run out of’ — the essential GP skill that’s neglected in CPD
Mind-reading, although never formally taught in medical school, and a completely neglected topic in CPD, is an absolutely essential skill for GPs. My patient sat…
The medical board should ask two simple questions before forcing older doctors to undergo health checks
The Medical Board of Australia in trying to ‘retire’ incompetent/incapacitated senior doctors is going about it the wrong way. The board’s primary responsibility is to…
Shelve the Scope of Practice Review: My plea to Mark Butler
Dear Mr Butler, After one year and more than 1100 submissions, the long painful exercise known as the Scope of Practice Review is set to…
‘A troubled and eccentric GP with a profound vision’: The story that has stayed with me for over 50 years
There are many books that have influenced my life, starting with the Famous Five series and then the New English Bible. But during my time…
Could dedicated geriatric hospitals relieve the pressure on the hospital system?
Australia is facing a surge in hospital presentations in older adults. Between 2015–16 and 2019-20, hospitalisations among people aged 75-84 increased by an average of…
Peering at the screen I was sure I could see metastases: When the doctor becomes the patient
Most of us have spent some time on the other side of the doctor’s desk. We have sat anxiously or hopefully or awkwardly with our…
A study suggests microplastics may contribute to autism, so what are the practical implications for GPs?
“Doctor, is there anything I could have done to prevent this from happening?” Like many mothers before her, my patient was grappling with anxiety about…
