Registrar Rural Rotation Recollections
Dr Peter Roach
Peter is currently completing his GP Training with WentWest. He recently undertook his rural rotation in Tamworth with GP Synergy New England/Northwest.
Why did you become a GP?
I have to admit becoming a GP was not my aim while studying medicine, or even during my first and second years working as a doctor. After an SRMO year I decided to apply for general practice because I enjoyed getting to know people, wanted more regular hours, and could not see any specialty being appealing enough to entice me through their training.
What do enjoy about being a GP/a rural GP?
Being a GP is much better than I thought it would be, and my basic GP term has been my favourite term working as a doctor so far. Before the term I really feared the breadth of what I would be dealing with (especially gynaecology), but over these 6 months I have come to think that this is one of the best parts of being a GP. It's definitely not all coughs and colds - just yesterday I removed my first IUD, placed my first earwick and learnt how to do a toenail wedge excision. The great thing is I haven't really felt out of my depth because of good support in the practice I'm in.
What are the more challenging aspects of being a GP/a rural GP?
I think being in Tamworth will be less challenging than being in Sydney! People here are generally thankful to see a doctor and because of GP shortages there is very little movement between pratices so there is good continuity of care. Greatest challenge has been time constraints in fitting in follow up of patients. Service limitations (3 months to see the relevant specialist) is next on the list, though the registrars out in the smaller towns will think I'm spoilt saying that...
What was your experience like as a GP Registrar in general & specifically with GP Synergy New England/Northwest (*previously NEATS)?
I think the experience for a GP Registrar will depend a lot on two people - your Supervisor who teaches you, and your Practice Manager. The GPs in the practice I was in, and particularly my two main Supervisors, are very patient, which has made a huge difference to how comfortable I feel. Our Practice Manager has been fair in allocating overtime, and generous in giving me time to learn from the other GPs. I actually feel quite privileged to have been able to spend time with them.
My contact with GP Synergy New England/Northwest* has been through their organising my placement and teaching sessions. Everyone in New England/Northwest* has been great - efficient at helping with any problems, and the teaching sessions have all been well organised. I think they travel further distances for all of their Registrars than people in most other jobs - and it's really appreciated.
Is being a GP different to how you thought it would be like? Any unexpected benefits/drawbacks?
It's been a huge relief to find it better than what I thought it would be. For the most part I enjoy the work and the variety, and the challenge of getting that overweight hypertensive smoking diabetic onto the right medications and into the right lifestyle. The drawbacks - figuring out what to write on worker's comp certificates and insurance companies.
Would you recommend others consider a career in GP?
Becoming a GP does not mean paperwork and viruses, and the sheer complexity of humans means no matter what area of medicine you're in (specialty / GP etc...) you will not be bored. GPs are also not homogenous - you have the whole spectrum from the obstetrician/anaesthetist remote GP to the non-procedural GP and those in between. I think for flexibility of lifestyle (as much or as little as you want), and for the breadth of choice not much beats General Practice.