The one thing that I am learning as I progress through my life is, how much noise and opinion there is in my world and how this often holds me back from trusting my instincts and moving forward. My gut has always told me that the health of your marriage matters the most as you…
How to choose the beautiful imbalance of life over work
“Jonathan I just can’t seem to get an appointment to see you, don’t you work in the afternoon anymore?”, a long term patient asked me as we entered my office. “No, I try to get home most days to be around with the boys and Kylie, it really helps at that time of the day”, I…
The power and purpose of failure
Summary: Failure can be a powerful catalyst for self-examination and feedback on your life. In the right hands with the right mindset, failure can be a powerful catalyst to personal growth. Take home message: The purpose of failure is feedback. The power of failure is unlimited. Key beneficiaries: Those willing to step outside their comfort zone…
I think that your life is making you tired
Summary: In the absence of disease, a busy life lacking personal replenishment is detrimental to your health and future Take home message: Reverse engineer the type of life that you desire, cut out the distractions, live intentionally and replenish yourself daily Key beneficiaries: Anyone who lives in this busy, distracted and connected world! Time to read: 8 minutes…
How to be a standout health professional in the current aged care landscape
“Jonathan, there is a phone call for you” my wife called out from the kitchen. It was 9pm and Jenny, one of senior registrered nurses from the nursing home was on the line. “I think Howard’s declining quickly Jonathan, the carers have just taken him back to bed and they’ve said that he’s had trouble…
An unexpected journey into aged & palliative care
Albany wind farm This post is a year overdue. If I were to have written this in April 2015, the title would have been “The tale of two deaths” where I would have reflected upon the peaceful, managed and expected passing of a 93-year-old aged care patient contrasted with the tragic accidental death of a…
How to use your words to powerfully give hope
A few months ago, I made a patient cry. His body shook as tears ran down his face, faster than he could wipe them away. I had told him the truth. It wasn’t what he had expected to hear from his doctor, nor was it something that he had ever heard from anyone else. It had…
36 thoughts on my 36th birthday
These are my reflections, predictions, deepest desires and thoughts on my 36th birthday. 1) As I grow older, the worries can mount and the joy can be eroded and the excitement fade BUT my God, my Jesus and my saviour fills me with his spirit daily and I am growing deeper in love with him….
How to use the power of compounding to improve your marriage in the early years
Summary: Whether you like it or not, the power of compounding is at work in your marriage in the positive aspects together with those you wish to keep hidden. Take home message: Small instances of love every day compound into the reward of a great and thriving marriage. Learn your spouse’s language of love and…
How to SNAP in to 2016 with better habits
Entering the new year brings excitement and promise for the 12 months ahead and most people enjoy reflection on the year that was and cannot wait to embark on attaining new habits and leaving old ones behind. As a GP I often deal with specific diseases but overwhelmingly, I am involved in the business of…
The most popular posts on theHealthyGP in 2015
What a brilliant year! I’ve wondered why my wife and I were so tired towards the end of year and realised a great deal had happened! We are enjoying a break in warm Perth at the moment, reflecting on the year that was and preparing to tackle 2016. These posts below were the most read…
Year 12 is not the end – life begins after high school (part two)
If you missed part one, click here. It was too long for one post! Thank you for all positive feedback and taking the time to read part one. I am truly grateful to be able to share my experience. The aftermath The period between high school and starting something new in the face of uncertainty and…
