We live in the lucky country. Australia. The land of opportunities and state of the art medical and surgical facilities. We, as patients and consumers, expect and demand a well-resourced system and highly competent healthcare practitioners who deliver the best possible care. Poor countries do too. What separates us is the lack of investment and…
“Increased awareness of the place for surgery within global health will not only benefit the surgical community, but will improve health outcomes, strengthen health systems, and reduce health inequities and local and global scale.” – The Lancet (2014) Global health addresses the needs of a community by evaluating the social, economic, political and environmental factors…
As you know, being a Doctor is really enriching, rewarding work – yet there are sometimes sacrifices we doctors have to make in the world of healing and helping others become well again. Irrespective as to whether or not you’re a consultative or a more procedural doctor, there is ample time constantly spent on exams…
The Christmas season is once again upon us. Most of us are finishing up work for the year, going on holidays, getting some Christmas shopping done and organising Christmas catch ups with family and friends. During this busy time I’d like you to take a moment, take a moment to think of those who have…
I recently came across a group of surgeons at a local hospital and spent a day with them observing bariatric surgery which included Lap Band insertion and Gastric Bypasses. This made me realise something important about the stigma attached to obesity, willpower and people’s perceptions. Obesity is all around us and it is on the…
As a Doctor, it is important to take some time out for self care, of which is not always easy to achieve. Read on for further insights into the rewards and challenges that come with being a Doctor. Herein, Dr. Justine Crowley reflects on 2014 and her first year as a natural medical practitioner in…
One of my passions in this world is looking after the elderly. I find them so full of knowledge and insight – I think it’s an honor to be able to help them in there time of need. At the end of the day that’s someone’s parent, grandparent, aunty, uncle, and we need to treat…
Mental Health Week raises community awareness about mental health issues and is held every October each year to coincide with World Mental Health Day that is held on 10 October. The aim of Mental Health Week is to promote social and emotional wellbeing to the community, encouraging people to maximise their health potential, enhancing the…
Current health systems are not set up to meet the needs of the poor; the part of the world that needs it the most. Here is a brief review of some of the challenges that prevent the sophisticated treatment methods from being introduced into the developing world. Socioeconomic determinants of health Access to health services…
A scalpel cuts through flesh like a knife through butter. There are no second guesses, no hesitations. Just a cut. It’s a world of focus, in depth analysis and rational thinking. There is no room for imagination, artistic creation and intuitive passion. Or is there? I have long viewed surgery as a creative art form,…