I don’t need the medical board to tell me when I’m too old to practise
I am a one legged, pacemaker-driven, 80-year-old GP, and I am still working three days a week in a busy, CBD practice. I also do…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
The gentle probe of the tongue that changed a patient’s diagnosis and my perspective on medicine
“Dance with the one who brought you.” This phrase is often attributed to legendary American football coach Darrell Royal. There have been lots of interpretations…
Not just about sex: The case for funding access to sex workers under the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme aims to fund all the supports needed to improve a disabled person’s quality of life. It is separate from the Disability…
‘130 patients a day’: Is assembly-line dermatology headed our way?
My daughter in Toronto just shared how she arranged a timely dermatology appointment. She had been to her GP, who was unable to diagnose her…
Do you have a screw loose if you date another doctor?
It is not a secret that dating (or being married to) a doctor is difficult. Whether you’re non-medical, in allied health, or a doctor yourself,…
My patient travelled to the Kimberley to have his penis cut and smoked over a fire
The Kimberley is a vast, spectacular area of rivers, mountains and nonstop surprises. On arrival at the hospital for a locum, I noticed the reception…
Why I apologised when a patient paid only half my fee
The growing gap between doctors’ fees and Medicare rebates is constant fodder for news outlets these days. It is getting too expensive to have babies…
Greedy doctors? The enormous salaries of health fund CEOs are far beyond what we could ever hope to make
The mainstream media was once more awash with accusations of doctor greed last week. The alleged perpetrators this time were obstetricians, but as we know,…
Soon after my near-death flight, I faced a greater terror — my anatomy exam
My dentist was regaling me with stories about his university days while I had my mouth open, drowning in my own saliva. He initially took…
When it comes to treating insomnia, Australia is sleeping on the job
It is estimated that 30-40% of Australian adults experience short-term insomnia (for up to three months) and 10-15% of adults experience chronic insomnia disorder (lasting…
