Mossman, FNQ, Feb - July 2011

This was my longest locum in the one place, and reached the Queensland Health (QHS) policy maximum of not having a locum in a position for more than six months. MY role was Acting Medical Superintendent while the current Med super was on extended leave, with the view to possible job share after July 2011. In March 2011, the Med Super on leave handed in her resignation and my task then became finding a replacement. This was achieved in June 2011 with a 4 week transition.

Lesley spent approximately 4.5 of the 6 months with me, at a rental acccommodation walking distance from Four Mile beach, Port Douglas. The Mossman job was planned in August 2010, so I knew in advance that I wanted accommodation within walking distance of the beach and away from my place of work to feel like when I finished work for the day, it was finished - but close enough to return to work (15 minutes drive away) in case of emergency call-back.

This is pretty stunning for an early morning walk hey !?




I must say at this point, that Laura at VISTA realty in Port Douglas was a delight to deal with arranging the rental in advance of my arrival mid-February. A far cry from the very poor service my daughters received when looking for and arranging their rental to stay near university.

So what were my lasting impressions from this time in Mossman?

Reinforcement that this is a beautiful place. Fresh air, warmth, forest, beaches and an abundance of life.

Mossman Hospital is a delight to work at ... a sense of family and teamwork in the place, and a real sense of purpose in the workplace. Many familiar, warm faces to re-aquaint with and a few new faces to meet and get to know.

The work itself was challenging in a number of ways, but imensely satisfying. We saved a few lives, made a difference to many, and helped some die with dignity and peace. I faced my own professional limitations and provided a mentoring role for the younger doctors facing the emotional challenges of the profession.

It was also a joy to work with some medical students and a couple of new graduate doctors, in particular Katherine who's love of life and work energised the place and gave me hope that there may well be a few good doctors for the Australian community. Over the last decade or so, I have seen the degeneration of the care and commitment that doctors have for their vocation and fear greatly for the suffering of our community who will inevitably have to deal with a disinterested, disaffected and dysfunction medical profession. The selection process that permits extreme academic talent, does not properly value genuine humanity, respect and honesty, and turns a blind eye to the pollution of professional ethics inevitably produces a type of doctor that is not good for the community.

All in all, an experience that was valuable in many ways.



** A few more photos here **

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