Dr Edmund Poliness
What has your journey been to becoming a GP?
I think fairly early on in my career as a junior doctor I began to realise I enjoyed pretty much every rotation I did – and enjoyed using and developing my skills across a broad range of medical fields.
I had the chance as a PGY 3 to work remotely up in the Kimberley in Western Australia with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) and in the local town’s emergency department, and that helped me understand what a rich and challenging medical career general practice could offer.
From there I worked overseas for a few years: With a number of emergency relief medical teams in the developing world and in some international public health roles that gave me springboard to return to Australia and start GP training.
What do you enjoy most about being a GP supervisor and medical educator?
Part of what I love about my role is showing registrars and others how much I love my job – and how great it feels to be part of a team working towards improving the health of the community in which we live.
I’ve been working as Supervisor at Wathaurong Aboriginal Health Service here in Geelong and outreach to Colac for about 15 years, and the highlight is always the teamwork with our amazing group of Aboriginal health workers, nurses, drivers, social and emotional wellbeing workers and all the other staff and community.
Getting good, and even great health outcomes means listening and working with the community and with each other.
I also love supporting registrars and trainees to develop self-care skills in their role as a doctor, focusing on how their own needs may change. Like everything else, self-care needs work, reflection, and sometimes innovation.
Tell us about where you practise and your role in medical education within the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Faculty?
Coming into my role at the RACGP a few years ago, I was unsure of how it would all work and whether it would be the right position for me. But, I have been so well supported by the group of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait medical educators, and the whole team, especially with the launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework (which is just a sensational resource, with a focus on strengths and healing).
Much of my role focusses on helping registrars and trainees develop and reflect on how they can offer culturally safe care to patients they see – and how working on this throughout their careers is an essential part of being a great GP or rural generalist (RG). I get to work with the amazing cultural educators from JCTS, with the wisdom and perspectives they can bring to all GPs; from trainees to the most clinically experienced. I work in developing resources for small, medium, and large group or on-line learning – then balance or re-adapt them through piloting and feedback from stakeholders. I also get to focus on promoting working in ACCHOs – which is the clinical role I love.
Another great part of my role is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in their training as GPs and RGs – and helping them become the best doctors they can be!
What advice would you offer to GPs who are interested in getting involved in this area or supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health?
It’s amazing and so worth giving it a go; either as part of your training or at any stage of your career, using the supports and resources available to GPs who are keen to get involved. ACCHOs have a focus on team-based care within the community and look to GPs to use your skills and work with others – offering holistic care while considering the community and environment.
I’ve loved the humour and support that I’ve experienced over the last 25 years working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia, and the ongoing, dynamic learning that is part of my clinical work every day.