6 NEWS
6 NEWS
2 JUNE 2023 ausdoc . com . au
I ’ m excited by my GP future : Here ’ s why I love this specialty
Dr Sunny Patel with her parents , Dr Indravadan Patel ( left ) and Dr Nirmala Patel ( right ).
Ita Buttrose , AC OBE
FROM PAGE 1 found out I got into medicine at the Australian National University in Canberra , and I didn ’ t hesitate in packing to get on the plane .
I ’ ll never forget that day : it was the happiest of my life .
During that first year at medical school , I proudly announced that I wanted to be a GP .
I didn ’ t realise this would make me a target for strange looks and comments . But the bullets ricocheted ; I was completely unfazed .
After graduation , I applied
PBS information : Authority Required ( STREAMLINED ). Category : GENERAL - General Schedule ( Code GE ). For verified SARS-CoV-2 infection . Treatment must be initiated within 5 days of symptom onset . Refer to PBS Schedule for full authority information .
for the GP training program and hospital GP stream .
The comments were relentless .
“ Why a GP ? You would make a great physician .”
“ Why a GP ? Don ’ t you have ambition ?”
I ’ m not going to lie , working in a large hospital system was isolating . As an intern , I felt institutionalised . As a resident , I was embarked on a means to a different end .
The one thing I did find was my husband , who has always
I ’ M PRO FIGHTING COVID-19 I ’ M ANTI-VIRAL been my biggest supporter , so I guess it wasn ’ t all that bad .
Through the years , I was asked “ Why general practice ?” many times — the only thing that changed were the people asking the question .
The last time I heard it was during my GP entrance interview .
My answer then and now is still : “ Because I know this job : it is fulfilling , valuable and versatile , and I know I belong here .”
I got in . I ’ ll never forget that day either .
Before initiating PAXLOVID , patients will need to withhold treatment with any contraindicated medications where it is clinically appropriate to do so , and observe an appropriate washout period . 1
Standard dose of Paxlovid is 300 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir tablets taken together orally every 12 hours for 5 days . Reduce dose to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir 150 mg / 100 mg every 12 hours for 5 days for patient with moderate renal impairment ( eGFR ≥30 to < 60 mL / min / 1.73m 2 ). 1
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Warning : Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir has significant drug-drug interactions . Prescribers and dispensers should carefully review a patient ’ s concomitant medications .
This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring in Australia . This will allow quick identification of new safety information . Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse events at www . tga . gov . au / reporting-problems .
Alternatively , any adverse events which are experienced with PAXLOVID can be reported to Pfizer on 1800 675 229 or by email to AUS . AEReporting @ pfizer . com
Reference : 1 . PAXLOVID Approved Product Information .
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When I started as a registrar , my motivation was through the roof : I made myself a doctor ’ s bag , I made notes on how to set up my day , I made auto fills — on everything .
And after looking up a topic ? More auto fills .
I also became a GP liaison officer and registrar medical educator for GP Training Queensland . I was ready for it .
I sat my fellowship exams while moving house and getting married .
Perhaps a little too much gusto on that one , but I managed to write a 370-page GP summary ( or essay ) that I now proudly refer to as my “ GP textbook ”.
Finally , I fellowed . I ’ ve never worked so hard in my life . But it was all worth it after seeing the looks on my parents ’ faces when I walked across that stage . I have no regrets .
In a world with so much negativity , I don ’ t think it is the end for general practice . Our role is too important . The health system , healthcare itself , cannot survive without us .
I am hoping to make my contribution to general practice . How can young fellows and registrars contribute ?
You may say we still require some seasoning and marinating , which is true .
However , we do have inherent ingredients for the recipe .
As a generation of stubborn activists , we will advocate for our financial rights : adequate government funding , fair contracts and parental leave .
I have a few personal goals , mostly with the purpose of improving health literacy in the community and GP literacy among our medical colleagues .
I would love to set up a practice or write a textbook . I would love to do more medical education by getting involved in fellowship exams and external clinical teaching visits or actively bridging the gap between hospital and community doctors .
If I am lucky , I hope one day to make a TV show similar to RPA or Big Miracles , but one that promotes the role that GPs have in the community .
There is much talk — I read the comments — from some older doctors about how they want to get out .
I know the reasons are complex , but it breaks my heart .
Share your knowledge with us younger GPs , help us upskill , support our training , let us emotionally support one another .
We are a community . I am not ready to throw in the towel .
“
Acknowledgements Drs Indravadan and Nirmala Patel , Dr Krishanth Naidu , Dr Kimberley Golding , Dr Rick Sapsford and Dr Erin Waters for your listening ears and contributions towards my goals . Dr Sunny Patel is a GP at the Rochedale Family Practice in Brisbane , Queensland .