Category: Health

The moments that lie between medicine are a matter of life and death — a reflection on suicide, self-care and clinical life

Our moments between medicine and life are where the real impact of clinical medicine is experienced – this is why our moments between matter. These moments are ours to practice self-awareness in practising self-care.

My truth about General Practice: Why it’s central, why I left and finding a calling…

What is the truth about General Practice? The truth about General Practice is that it is challenging. The end. Ha! Now that would be too easy and tremendously disrespectful to my General Practice colleagues. So, what is it that makes General Practice challenging? But firstly and most importantly, what makes General Practice such a rewarding

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How a life changing trip to Zimbabwe taught me to be rich

It was the first time that I’d learnt that holding back tears was impossible I held his tiny hand as his grandmother cradled him. My eyes examined, but my heart broke. Years later in reflection, I didn’t realise that this moment would live with me forever as a defining moment in my medical journey. What

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What is Perioperative Advance Care Planning?

I am privileged to write and contribute to Palliverse with this piece about operative decision making and providing compassionate and caring end of life care. As our population ages and we are called to be decision makers for our loved elders, let their end of life wishes guide us. Palliverse is lucky to have a

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Saying goodbye to my patients — The power of relationships

Photo by Jake Thacker on Unsplash “Anne, I think the reason that you’ve been more forgetful lately is because you have early dementia….” my voice cracked with emotion as I delivered the bad news. I’d never cried infront of a patient before but sheer will couldn’t contain the salty tears that flowed down my cheeks. Anne’s

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To my brown eyed boy

Two years ago our family welcomed Benjamin Frederick Ramachenderan into the world. Like many babies, his birth was expected and well prepared for. He received the best in evidenced based antenatal care and his mother nurtured him well, as she looked after her body and kept herself healthy. He was the youngest, born into a

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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

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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 in this connected world! Time to

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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

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