Message from Paul Jones ...

G'day Andrew,

Wise counsel which (from numbers I recall seeing in my AMA days) sadly too many of our colleagues ignore.

I've both looked after a number of colleagues and had (now 5) different GPs starting in my early 30s and from both sides of the fence have insight into how poor our judgement can be regarding our own health.

When trying to convince colleagues I tell two stories against myself, the first about presenting to my then GP with "John, I'm getting indigestion ; I think I need a gastroscopy."

About 2 months later I had my cholecystectomy.

His successor (with the collusion of an excellent dietitian) probably added years to my lifespan and that of my weight-bearing joints by not accepting my lame excuses and persuading me to shed in excess of 20kg of blubber.

"The lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client."

Finally, thank you for being our glue, our scribe and taking on the role of bearer of bad news.

Kind regards,

Paul Jones

Message from Julian Scullin on choosing a GP ...

 Dear Andrew,

I thank you again for continuing to undertake this chore.

As a recently-retired GP, I heartily endorse your comments. Relating to one’s own GP, it seems to me, is something of a dance. First, one has to find a partner to engage with, then work out the steps. For years, I had an excellent GP but then, as his partners successively retired, he joined my practice. This was great for the practice and good for our friendship but a little uncomfortable for both of us - consider medical record documentation, for example. Then he retired and I was without a GP for a while, relying on my nous and my specialist colleagues, not the best solution (I refer to my nous, not my colleagues’ acumen). Having retired, and moved house, I found another GP. She’s also excellent but, I fancy, a little diffident. I think it’s the challenge of being the carer for a more senior professional in one’s own field. And two of her associates were formerly registrars for whom I was supervisor in my practice. But we’re working it out, though consultations are still a dance: one of us might make a suggestion regarding investigation, medication or referral, the other then heartily agrees or alludes to a possible alternative and a decision is jointly made. 

It’s a rewarding dance and I want the music to continue.

My best wishes,

Julian

Health reminder for medical colleagues near retirement age ... get a good GP!

Dear Colleagues,

It seems to have fallen to me to send news of the illness and deaths of colleagues, not to mention myself.  One wonders in every case if some intervention could have delayed the event. 

As a retirement reward I have been revisiting Shakespeare who often quotes on death but rarely about disease: the Bard treats life's termination alternately as a matter-of-fact necessity as well as an a'feared mystery. 

I have corresponded with a few colleagues who mostly agreed that having a GP's advice at regular intervals is the best defence against disease and premature death (one said that a cardiologist is all he needs!).  Lifestyle advice, vaccinations, occult blood testing, prostate antigens, women's health check-ups, osteoporosis assessments, etc, etc.  Cardiac health might be assessed by BP measurement, lipid screening, calcium ratio measurement, coronary CT scan, etc.  While we may be familiar with such tests, just when they may be appropriate should be decided by a caring GP like the conductor of an orchestra.  It is so easy to let such things slip on ones own.  And finding a good GP is never easy but definitely worth the hunt as I did when I moved to Bowral.  Some rural areas are not as fortunate so travel to larger centres or telehealth may be needed. 

In the course of my own recent illness I had a cardiac assessment including angiogram (no stent needed), PET scanning, regular blood testing, beta blockers and an ACE inhibitor to regularise the heart and BP.  Lymphoma from 20 years ago is happily now in remission again.  

I hope people will think seriously about the above and I apologise for preaching to the choir. 

Best regards, Andrew Byrne .. (the year's trouble-maker and would-be conscience).  

Sad news ... John Brown RIP

 Dear Colleagues,

 I need to report a sadness in the sudden and unexpected death of the husband of our colleague Katherine Brown (Barry) in Wollongong last week.  I have written to Katherine to express our collective shock and sympathy over John’s death. 

 Katherine is still working as public health consultant at Wollongong University and is an associate professor in sexual health and forensic medicine. 

 The news came at the same time as a report from RPAH about the recent deaths of Drs Stuart Renwick and Robert Loblay who many will remember as our tutors from student days.  As our teachers they were a good deal older, but death always comes as a cruel blow for those who remain.  Shakespeare wrote many words of wisdom about death, some very comforting, some quite matter-of-fact.  I note that earlier this year Drs Peter Holman, John York and John Turtle had passed away, the former two known to those with attachments to Rachel Forster Hospital … and each at a good age. 

 With best wishes to all, Andrew Byrne ..

 John William Brown Death Notice - Sydney, New South Wales | Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)