I spend 5 days per week speaking with GPs and practice managers, yet obtained just as much insight about the life of a locum from reading this book. It really is a “must read” for healthcare professionals and representatives within the industry.
Despite being immersed in the challenges of rural healthcare for years, I came away with a renewed appreciation for the role of General Practitioners and critical impact they have on the wellbeing of Australia’s millions.
Dr Henry freely admits her avoidance of hospital work, and touches on (although not directly referring to) the impostor syndrome sometimes felt as a GP - particularly in relation to, perhaps more desensitised, Specialists in other areas of medicine. But it’s her compassionate and emotional personality that seemingly makes her the well-regarded doctor that she is.
GPs aren’t just good listeners, they’re at the coalface of a vast multitude of illnesses that come through clinic doors. It’s their ability to relate, see patients as individuals, be knowledgeable and think outside the box - treating not just test results but the person in front of them in a holistic and comprehensive manner. That’s what makes them unique and critical to the health of the entire population.
I note that Sonia tends to highlight only the most interesting of her cases in the book - which invariably arise from 30 minute or longer appointments, or from patients requiring repeated trips to a GP. This extended appointment time allows her to thoroughly assess the individual both medically and personally, provides time to reflect and consequently offer the best care. It’s fascinating to observe her internal thoughts and the impact these patients have on her memory.
Without the opportunity to spend this valuable time with a GP, it’s likely these more complex patients in rural areas would be at the mercy of specialist waitlists in cities hundreds (or thousands) of kilometres away, or remain untreated through lack of local resources. The health outcomes in both cases are dire. It’s critical that Medicare systems should be in place to fairly allow for longer, more comprehensive appointment times. Encouraging GPs to do what they do best.
Hopefully the account in this book helps educate policymakers to the realities faced by rural healthcare professionals, and inspires more doctors to uproot and trial life in the bush.
#generalpractice #ruralhealth #locumlife #indigenoushealth
Sonia Henry
Engaging and committed healthcare expert with a career record of success in consulting, physician practice and hospital management | AI | Technology | Data | Director
2wGreat work!