I am excited to be able to share Steven’s story and am unbelievably grateful that his partner Rachel granted me permission to share how we as a Palliative Care team worked with them. As I reflect on the last 15 years of doctoring, much of my energy has focussed on the physical aspects of medicine
Tag: medicine
There are a few words and phrases that I do not use.
The large majority of them include offensive slang, derogatory names, words and phrases that simply bring down the conversation that I am having to the lowest levels of respectability.
But there is one word that is innocuous and hides in plain sight which dismisses, diminishes and reduces whatever it is connected to.
And that word is “just”.
In July 2021 Voluntary Assisted Dying will be available in Western Australia.
As a Palliative Care doctor I have thought deeply about how I will continue to work and serve here as Christian and conscientious objector.
This is a reflection on doctoring, faith and a way forward.
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
What matters at the end of life?
Creating beautiful moments. Moments in love, moments in forgiveness, moments with meaning and lasting transcendence.
I do understand that I’ve written a mini-book here but alas that is how I write! Long-form and I am sure that there is a book in these 40 thoughts. *Thoughts* with asterisks next to them are upcoming blog posts that in different stages of being edited. Please comment if you’d like to read any
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
“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
“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
The healthy GP 