Dr Aileen Traves

GPs are very busy people, but if we want to encourage more doctors to consider a career in general practice and want our views and opinions to be heard I believe we need to do more than complain about the state of things on social media, hence deciding to nominate to join the council representing the views of GPs, particularly from my area of North Queensland.

To help encourage and support our existing GPs in Queensland, as well as encouraging the next generation to consider a career in general practice. We need to listen to the issues currently facing GPs and try to improve conditions and support for our critical general practice workforce. Many people mistakenly think being a GP is the easy default choice when you become a doctor. It is not. It is a specialist career path worthy of recognition, and we must not allow people to be fooled into thinking any health professional can sub in and do the job of a trained GP specialist. We understand how important having trained GPs is and we need to be shouting what we can do from the rooftops.

I loved the idea of providing continuity of care across the whole continuum of ages and stages of life and being a true generalist doctor with the skills to manage whatever walks in the door. Seeing multiple generations of families is such a privilege.

There are so many. Being presented with a suicide note from someone I managed to convince to stay will always be a particularly poignant moment. The many palliative care journeys and supporting those left behind. Being able to be present to assist at births after supporting the women through their pregnancy, then caring for their newborn child and watching them grow up. The thank you cards when you know you really made a difference.

Don't be afraid of teaching others, including medical students and registrars. We teach our patients every day! Gone are the days of paternalistic care. The best doctors share the knowledge and information they have to help others.

I might live in North Queensland, but I don't like mangoes! Mangosteens are delicious though.