‘If you don’t have a dream then how will your dreams come true?’. Such was the vision and passion of the clinicians and health professionals who spoke to us today. Looking out over the vista, green rolling hills bathed in sunshine fell down to the crashing sea. Brightly painted rondavels (traditional round thatched houses) sprinkled […]
‘No more pumpkins Gogo!’ and other small moments
I was just trying to leave OPD (outpatients department) at the end of the day but one of the nurses from the ward had brought over an old Gogo for me to see (for those who haven’t met the Gogos before, this is a term of respectful endearment used for Grandmothers or older women in […]
A day in the life of a rural primary care doctor
I collapsed on the sofa when I came home tonight. Clinic went pretty smoothly today I thought, though not quite as quick as I would have liked so I was late home. I averaged just over 10 mins per patient, so kind of your standard GP list (though no tea breaks!). As I lay reflecting […]
Walking with rhinos, sleeping with lions
Warning, this post contains no medicine! Some of you have asked to hear a bit more about what I’m up to outside of work, and I have just returned from one of the most amazing adventures of my life so read on if you choose to indulge me, otherwise a more worthy blog will be […]
Teenage troubles
He didn’t show up for my appointment yet again; he is one of the patients that I often think about. We first met in January, he came to see me in clinic wanting to reinitiate his ARVs (antiretrovirals, drugs which suppress HIV in the body). He is 13, but looks about 11 and came with […]
Women: challenges and strength
Following on from International Women’s Day, I thought I’d reflect a little on some of the diverse encounters that I’ve had working with women here. Life brings particular challenges for many of our female patients, but their strength often shines through. I was on call for New Years Day and saw 3 young women who […]
Snakebite
‘Ready?’. ‘Yeah I’m ready, lets start’. We turn on the IV drip and watch the pale yellow antivenom start to trickle in. I keep an eye on the monitor. Oxygen saturations and pulse are stable. We are surrounded by all of the gear needed for intubation, including anaesthetic drugs, and I […]
Rural transport solutions
‘Ouch’ comes a yelp from the back seat. Note to self, better take the next pothole more gently. ‘Nicki, please make sure she is wearing her seatbelt’… I experience a few moments of clarity as it hits me just how different my daily life has become from practicing GP in the comfortable Victorian seaside town […]
Welcome to my rural ramblings
It’s been over two months into my time in South Africa and what a whirlwind it has been! I’ve finally made the time to set up this blog and hope you enjoy reading some thoughts and reflections on my life as a rural doctor. I hope to find a vague theme for each blog but will […]
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