I love my job as a Palliative Care doctor. There is nothing that I look forward to more on a Monday morning than meeting with our team, solving problems and helping to relieve suffering in our patients and their families. It compels me out of bed early and is the only job that I see
Ten years ago today there was little question that I needed to change. Ten years ago today, the cliche of “your life has changed forever” was repeated across the Maternity ward at Tamworth Base Hospital and across Facebook and over the phone as friends and family congratulated us. Our first son Samuel was born. Ten
In the last two years, I have struggled. Struggled with what I thought was a romantic blockade in my actions and thoughts. I’ve asked myself: “Why aren’t I more romantic? “ But what I have come to realise has been a revelation to me. It is that my marriage and life with Kylie is richly
One year ago I had an accident which abruptly halted my life. In reflection, it has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Pre-MRI. Ruptured biceps tendon on my left arm — November 2017 Day 1 post op. Ready to start my rehab…also, I don’t fancy strong opiates (too much clean living) 28/11/17.
The biggest lesson that caring for the dying can teach you — reflections of a Palliative Care Doctor
A few weeks ago I finished my Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine from the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Without a doubt, it has the best and most challenging year of my clinical career. It had such a profound effect on my life that I’ve decided to go all in and live the rest of
My heart is in turmoil and my soul aches. My resolve is being tested. The broad statements that are being pitched on social media and shared across the world deepen my sorrow for my fellow man. #metoo #sexual misconduct #pornography I’ve fought with thoughts of defending my gender but have balanced this with deep sorrow
“Jonathan you have to come in. There’s been an incident with Brian* and the other residents and families are scared, I don’t know what to do!”. *Names changed for privacy* The panicked voice on the other end was an aged care nurse whom I’d worked with closely and whose clinical judgment I respected and relied
For months I’ve been stumped on what to do and what to get for my beautiful wife Kylie on her 40th birthday. Even as I recovered and rehabilitated my arm 7 months ago, this day puzzled and trouble me, I was stumped. But then, only a few weeks ago it dawned on me that I
“So what actually happens in this place?” Simon asked, his question caught me off guard. Trying to understand where he was coming from, I replied “What do you mean?”. “Well I’ve been here for a week and I’m still not sure what actually happens in the hospice,” Simon said, still looking back at me, searching
For those regular readers of my blog and writing, I am sorry that it has been a little while between pieces. As you can see from my last social media post, I’ve taken a few months off to create margin in my life and direct my focus to a few important projects, the most pressing