After having an extremely positive experience to Deniliquin for 2 weeks previously on my GP term, I’ve decided to come back to fully immerse myself in the environment of a rural GP. I was also graciously hosted by the rural GPs here for the entirety of my elective. This time around, I wanted to improve my communication skills, observe the mechanics of a GP led hospital as well as participate in procedures.
However, what I have gotten from this elective was much more than that. Firstly, the attraction of Deniliquin, a town with a population of 7862 (+1 with me being here). The tranquillity and peace in Deniliquin provided a very welcome respite after my stressful exams. Also, coming from Singapore, it was difficult to find a place so peaceful and filled with acres of nature. However, being here, I was able to enjoy the slow pace of life and was pleasantly welcomed by the community. What’s better than waking up to a view of kangaroos and rabbits on the road coming back from clinic?
In the GP clinic, I was able to actively participate in consults as well as procedures such as skin lesion excisions. By the second half of my elective, I was pleasantly surprised by my fondness towards the continuity of GP practice. I was elated at seeing the patient for the second time, even if it was for a script or reporting the results of a blood test. Sitting in with the different doctors in the clinic, I was able to discern the different patient groups and styles of each practitioner. It does show that patients do really pick their doctors. I was also able to reflect upon my own style and my weaknesses in approaching a patient.
Besides being in the GP clinic, I rotated through anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology and emergency as well. I shuttled between the clinic, aboriginal clinic as well the hospital, learning on the way. This allows me to experience a range of different specialties all at once, from watching a delivery, to suturing, to assessing a resus patient all within the same elective period.
After seeing an instrumental delivery, vaginal delivery, and a C-section, I started to develop a fondness for obstetrics as well. Being able to witness a birth and hearing a child first cry was extremely rewarding and gave me immense happiness no matter how many times I am experiencing it.
Throughout the elective, I was well supported by the practitioners and given advice on how to improve on how to be a better future practitioner. Whether that be communication skills or identifying the gaps in my knowledge. I was also encouraged to practice and make mistakes during consults. Consultant GPs also gave me personalised advice and allows me to practice them on the day. Teaching sessions also happens every Saturday with the other doctors in the region, nurse practitioners as well as other allied health staff.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this elective, and it gave me better understanding in the life of a rural GP. I hope to be able to come back in the future.