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…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
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…
Heartsink, slapstick and the human touch: Why I love my patients
According to the author Haruki Murakami, writing a novel is like ET assembling a transmitter out of junk in the garage. You need to collect…
I’m a doctor with hearing loss: Here’s my story…
How do I begin to explain how it feels to grieve the loss of something intangible? I remember that first moment in the waiting room,…
The weapons industry causes immense human suffering, so why is Melbourne University in bed with its biggest player?
The University of Melbourne, like many universities around Australia, is deeply entwined with the weapons industry. This industry that has a profoundly negative effect on…
‘Revenge fantasies’: Dr Screwloose on the surge in CPD-related mental health issues
The esteemed psychiatrist, Dr Screwloose, has made his speciality one that focuses on helping his beleaguered fellow medical colleagues. Never have his services been more…
The tribulations of a hair-challenged doctor
If they can put a man on the moon, why can’t they cure male pattern baldness? It’s not easy being bald. In winter, you freeze;…
GPs can help tame the NDIS beast, so why are we an afterthought?
As GPs, we have an integral role to play in coordinating the care of our patients. This is a role we are used to doing…
The medical board’s plan for mandatory health checks on older doctors is age discrimination
The Medical Board of Australia proposal for mandatory examinations and cognitive assessments for doctors aged 70 or older raises critical ethical questions. Profiling a specific…
