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Nine Steps Australia can take towards Universal Health Coverage

John@omegamedical.com.au (John Codner) — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:54:52 GMT

By John Codner, Managing Director, Omega Medical

Half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services. This is particularly worrying when you consider that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a critical means to achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that meet the urgent environmental, political, and economic challenges facing our world.

A staggering 2 billion people are grappling with financial hardships arising from out-of-pocket health expenses, pushing 344 million individuals into the depths of extreme poverty. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the daily struggles of families and communities worldwide, highlighting the disparities in healthcare access and the financial burdens that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

On this International Universal Health Coverage Day, let us acknowledge that health is a fundamental human right. The United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage held on 21 September 2023, highlighted the urgency of addressing the global health crisis and reaffirmed that healthy people are the foundation of healthy societies and economies, and that Universal Health Coverage is central to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals. The trajectory towards achieving the health-related SDGs had already stalled before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which set many countries further back on the path to universal health coverage, emphasising the need for resilient and equitable healthcare systems.

The stark contrast in healthcare worldwide can be attributed to a combination of historical, economic, political, and social factors. Considering our position in Australia, what meaningful steps can we take to help to alleviate these global health inequalities?

Strengthen Primary Healthcare Systems:

Prioritise the development of primary healthcare systems to ensure that basic health services are accessible to all, especially in rural areas. Approach health initiatives with cultural sensitivity, incorporating local knowledge and community involvement whenever possible.

Invest in Health Infrastructure:

Increase investments in healthcare, such as the construction and maintenance of hospitals, clinics, and health centres, particularly in rural communities. Leverage technology to establish telemedicine networks, allowing remote communities to access medical expertise.

Effective Healthcare Recruitment Strategies:

Recruit an increased number of healthcare workers, particularly to rural areas to address the shortages.

Training and Development:

Invest in the training and retention of healthcare professionals, particularly in areas facing shortages. Develop incentive programs to encourage healthcare professionals to work in remote areas.

Preventive Healthcare Programs:

Emphasise preventive healthcare through education and awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and regular health check-ups.

International Collaboration and Research Sharing:

Strengthening partnerships with international organisations and collaborating with other nations on healthcare initiatives can amplify collective efforts to address global health disparities. Share knowledge, technologies, and best practices with other countries that can facilitate advancements in medical care globally.

Humanitarian Aid and Advocacy for Policy Reforms:

Continue to support humanitarian aid and disaster response efforts and to use our diplomatic influence to advocate for global health policy reforms.

Promotion of Universal Health Coverage:

Advocate for, and support initiatives aimed at achieving universal health coverage globally, ensuring that everyone can access the health services they need, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Public-Private Partnerships:

Encourage collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery.

The achievement of Universal Health Coverage is not just an aspiration; it is imperative for the well-being and prosperity of present and future generations. By actively pursuing these initiatives, Australia can contribute meaningfully to the global effort to address healthcare imbalances, creating a more equitable and healthier world.

The Locum Road - Dr Arturo Jeri

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 05:49:21 GMT

A compelling Q&A series with medical professionals across the country ‘on the road’. We follow the stories of medicos doing extraordinary work in extraordinary times. In the first of our special monthly series, we profile Dr Arturo Jeri.

The Locum Road - Dr Thomas Coates

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:35:08 GMT

The Locum Road - Dr Dominic Moore

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:18:06 GMT

A compelling Q&A series with medical professionals across the country ‘on the road’. We follow the stories of medicos doing extraordinary work in extraordinary times. In the second of our special monthly series, we profile Dr Dominic Moore.

The Locum Road - Dr Tristan Scott

wow@shazamme.com (Default Author) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:17:19 GMT

A guide to planning your away-from-home locum experience

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 06:23:54 GMT

While some locums prefer to work close to home, others like to take advantage of the chance to travel around Australia so they can meet new people and add to their professional and private skills.

From Ballarat to Busselton, there are locums working everywhere. You can join them, if you think ahead.

The idea of turning up somewhere new with no work is romantic, but it’s not practical. No hospital, clinic or practice is going to accept a locum who just turns up. They have fill in paperwork, do background checks and slot you into the system. Fortunately, your locum agent can help you to find an assignment before you leave and answer your questions.

Before you talk to them, you need to answer the most important question of all — why do you want to go?

Maybe you want to experience life in a bush community or increase your self-reliance. Perhaps you’re driven by broadening your skills or seeing some of our natural wonders. Be clear about what you want so you can identify the perfect assignment. Once you’ve found it, start planning.

Living and working conditions

Locum agents can often advise on, or help with, travel and accommodation logistics. Some employers arrange lodgings, while others cover the costs but expect you to find somewhere. If that happens, ask your agent to put you in touch with other locums who’ve worked in the same location and might have local contacts.

The more you know about the facility in advance, the better prepared you’ll be. Your agent, colleagues and locum predecessors are all useful information sources. Ask them about the patient load, types of patients, common conditions and quality of facilities. Are there parking restrictions? Special rules to look out for?

It’s also important to have clear job specifications, so you can be confident your supervising manager’s expectations around responsibilities, management, hours and supervision match yours.

If you’re unfamiliar with the location, check that out too with colleagues, friends, online forums and websites — TripAdvisor is great for this. Are there any local sights to see? What’s the social scene like? How reliable is internet and mobile phone coverage? If you have sporting, religious or social interests, research them too. Knowing about the things that matter to you will help you to settle in much more quickly.

Be prepared

For peace of mind, ensure your life insurance and TPD policies are current and your contents insurance policy has enough coverage for your assignment. Some policies restrict coverage to a certain amount of time away from home.

You should also discuss any tax implications and banking needs with your financial adviser, especially if you’re planning to rent out your home while you’re away. If you are considering this, it’s advisable to employ a managing agent. Many home-owning locums try to save money by managing tenants themselves, only to find it’s hard to do at a distance.

Of course, this won’t be the case if your family is staying at home. If they are, work out a routine for keeping in touch by phone, Skype, email or Facetime. If you’re going to be somewhere remote, bear in mind that communication may be harder and warn your family so they don’t worry if they can’t get in touch.

Personal health

When you’re away from regular support systems, it’s important to look after your health. Depending on whether your assignment is urban or rural, you might have to stock up on regular medications before you go. Taking a doctor’s bag of supplies is a good idea too — you don’t know what will be available. Take any repeat prescriptions with you and, if you wear glasses, a spare pair will save you if you’re nowhere near an optician.

Some locums develop a care plan that identifies key areas such as staying in touch with family, keeping fit and making friends, so they can work out solutions before leaving. This should include after-assignment planning; some locum assignments are intense and involve long hours, and a soft entry is recommended. Indulge yourself with a post-assignment holiday and, once you’re home, take a break — don’t go straight back to the old routine. Just a couple of weeks of downtime will make it easier to readjust. Then you’ll be ready for your next assignment!

Lessons in Indigenous health

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 10:23:45 GMT

Browse through this blog post to find out the important lessons medical practitioners in Australia must learn about Indigenous health.

Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities provides exciting opportunities to immerse yourself in what a recent genomic study confirmed as the oldest civilisation on the planet. It also presents unique social and health challenges that will expand your skills and experience.

Perhaps surprisingly, you won’t necessarily have to live in the outback. Australia’s 670,000 Indigenous people are spread across cities, coastal settlements and country towns as well as desert fringes.

Whether you want a bush experience or an urban assignment, remember that, while they make up just 2.5% of our total population, the Indigenous population accounts for a disproportionate percentage of most health problems. While non-Indigenous Australians are living longer, healthier lives, it’s a different story for Indigenous Australians.

Aboriginal people die at three times the rate of the rest of the population, with circulatory diseases and cancers (the most common cause of death) occurring more often and at a younger age. Overall, Indigenous Australians live 11.5 years less (men) and 10 years less (women) than other Australians.

The mortality rate for Aboriginal babies is higher and Aboriginal children are 30 times more likely to suffer from anaemia and malnutrition. They also have higher rates of scabies, ear problems and tooth decay and are less likely to be fully immunised.

Compared to the rest of Australia, Indigenous people are hospitalised twice as often. They’re three times more likely to be injured, twice as likely to commit suicide, and have higher rates of asthma, kidney disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Illegal drug use, sexually transmitted infections, obesity, petrol/glue sniffing and smoking are far more prevalent than among the general population.

Statistics like these are why per capita Government spending on Aboriginal health is higher than for non-Aboriginal health. Even so, Indigenous people access health services at just 1.1 times the rate of non-Indigenous Australians, even though their need for health services is three times higher. They also receive fewer procedures and prescriptions than other Australians with the same health conditions.

These discrepancies are down to cultural and logistical barriers. Some communities associate hospitals with death, and it’s often taboo for a woman patient to see a male doctor. Indigenous people can feel dissociated in a facility where no one speaks their language and there are no Aboriginal doctors — just 200 of Australia’s 78,000 working doctors identify as Aboriginal. a belief in the power of bush medicine can also keep Indigenous people away from mainstream medicine.

To try to improve health services uptake among Indigenous people, many national and state policies address common issues.

If you work in a facility serving a large Indigenous population, you’re now more likely to find Aboriginal health workers, liaison officers, art and communication aids. There may be an Aboriginal garden, a travelling dialysis unit for remote communities or an Aboriginal-run residential patient care facility.

The Government also funds 150 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across Australia that offer a range of free services.

Despite this, access to primary health care services remains an issue, particularly for the 18% of Aboriginal people who live in outback Indigenous communities.

Just 10% of these communities have a hospital and only half their community health facilities provide medical coverage. People often rely on travelling GPs, specialists and dentists, with one in four having access to a doctor just once a week or fortnight. Seeking medical help at other times can involve driving a hundred kilometres or more along isolated tracks, sometimes in extreme weather.

With Indigenous Australians having, on average, lower incomes, less education and higher unemployment levels than other Australians, lack of knowledge about available services and cost concerns are further barriers. To help, a free Medicare help line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders provides information about targeted programs such as the Medicare Safety Net, free health checks and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Medicare also employs staff to liaise with Indigenous communities and health services, and facilitates registration when there’s no formal identification (a common problem in remote communities).

Clearly, Indigenous health care can be challenging. However, medical professionals who are lucky enough to spend time with Indigenous communities often say it is a life-changing experience that gives them a new perspective on their work. If you’re interested, talk to us.

Five traps to avoid as a locum

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 11:23:58 GMT

Find out what the top five traps and pitfalls you must avoid as a locum doctor.

As with any job, it’s easy to make mistakes as a rookie locum. Here’s a list of the most common pitfalls so you can look out for them.

1. An unbalanced lifestyle

It can be tempting to sacrifice your social life by running up long hours or accepting back-to-back assignments. After all, you want to establish a good reputation and the more you work, the more you earn. If you’re interstate and missing your usual social network, it can be particularly tempting to prioritise work. However, it’s a mistake.

Experienced locums appreciate that, if you manage your time correctly, you’ll enjoy a more balanced lifestyle as a locum than in a permanent job. They also understand that social isolation is a leading cause of doctor burnout.

Wherever you’re assigned, beware of overwork. If you’re working locally, make time to see friends and family. If you’re away, find people, organisations and places that match your personal interests and build some downtime into your day. You’ll be an all-round happier person, and get much more out of being a locum.

2. Neglecting professional development

Medicine is a fast-moving field where there’s always a new technique, approach or therapy to learn, but it can be challenging for locums to keep up.

Locums aren’t often part of the formal and information networks where regular employees hear about professional development (PD) opportunities. In addition, a locum contract doesn’t include PD leave or allowances, so you’ll have to pay the full course fee and attend on days when you could be earning.

Despite this, my advice is to stay up to date. Seek out suitable courses, subscribe to journals, ensure you’re on email distribution lists. Not only will your PD efforts ensure you don’t fall behind your peers and create more assignment opportunities, they will make you a better doctor.

3. Making assumptions

No two locum assignments are the same. The resources, equipment, rules and approaches vary enormously, even at neighbouring hospitals and practices. If you assume your new facility will be the same as your last one, you risk making mistakes.

Researching it before you begin is helpful. Your locum agent may have some advice, or connect you with other locums who’ve worked there. Once you’ve started work, be proactive. If you’re unsure about a process, ask. If there’s an orientation, attend it. If there’s a procedures manual, read it. The more you know, the faster you’ll get up to speed and the more confident you’ll be.

If you think you might return, keep a written or virtual record of important information so you can impress everyone next time.

4. Letting administration slip

It’s easy to forget about administration when you’re busy, so set aside some regular office time. That way, you won’t be faced with a paper mountain or caught out by a missed payment.

As well as standard professional obligations such as registrations and police checks, you’ll need to keep on top of billing, accounts, insurance and various aspects of business compliance. Having an accountant will reduce the burden but even then, you’re responsible for paying tax bills on time, chasing up late payments, collecting expense receipts and other administrative joys.

If you use a business software package, your life will be far easier. Also, your locum agency will probably take on some of the burden, so check what they do — and what they don’t.

5. Ignoring your family’s needs

You might think that because this is your career, only you should make decisions about where and when you work. But being a locum isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle choice that impacts your whole family. So it’s best to discuss any implications with them before accepting an assignment, not afterwards.

Think about it from their point of view. If the assignment involves weekend shifts and you have three sporty children, how will they all get to their games? Will you miss a wedding, a graduation, Christmas? If you’ll be interstate, how often will you call?

For a longer assignment, taking your family may be an option. If you do, what are the work opportunities for your partner? Are there suitable schooling choices? Be prepared to research all the options, and to turn down an opportunity that would be great for you but unworkable for other family members. There’s always another assignment around the corner.

Working as a locum in regional, rural and remote Australia

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:17:48 GMT

Find out what it is like to work as a locum in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia. Visit our blog to read more.

While cosmopolitan cities are understandably popular with locums, don’t ignore the many opportunities in regional, rural or remote Australia.

For starters, there’s a huge variety. You can join a farming community in rural Tasmania, care for miners in the Western Australian desert, live as a local in a vibrant regional town or treat tourists in tropical Far North Queensland. You could even be part of a remote Aboriginal community.

There’s a wide range of facilities too – from large modern hospitals with specialist staff through to outback settlements where a single GP is supported by Australia’s famous Royal Flying Doctor Service . So there really is something for every locum.

Rural and remote places have higher health risks and rates of chronic disease and injury than cities, and health facilities are generally dispersed over a large area. GPs in these locations must be generalists, able to cope with a diverse caseload. As well as working from a practice, they are often on call for hospital duties such as emergency admissions or minor surgery.

There’s much more procedural work than in a city practice, and more autonomy. So if you’re looking to expand your professional experience, these assignments are ideal. You may even encounter diseases that are rarely seen in urban areas.

“The variety of practice means there’s never a dull day; you experience everything from emergency treatment through to acute and chronic care,” says Dr Emma Cunningham, who works in Cooma, a regional town in New South Wales.

Being able to practise ‘cradle to grave medicine’ is another motivator. The ability to guide someone through the treatment cycle, take a holistic approach and build strong working relationships with patients appeals to city doctors.

Specialist locums like regional and rural assignments because, rather than being stand-alone, they are part of a multi-disciplinary team. Usually attached to a hospital, the specialist locum works closely with local GPs, nurses and allied health professionals to provide team-based care. As well as clinical care, they provide clinical leadership, run rural training for undergraduates and trainees, and support and upskill fellow practitioners. They can also conduct research and trial new techniques – far more than in metro hospitals.

Many locums report they get a great sense of commitment, involvement and satisfaction from these assignments. This is especially true for doctors who choose to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where the burden of disease is two and a half times greater than for the general population and a dedicated locum can really make a difference.

The lifestyle is a further drawcard. It’s easier to balance work and personal time as a regional locum, and small settlements tend to be very friendly, with a strong community spirit. Many assignments are close to areas of natural beauty and are ideal for locums who like the outdoor life and an active lifestyle.

“I’ll probably stay here forever. The people are fantastic, the environment is beautiful and you get to practise a variety of tropical medicine – some of which is very unusual,” says Dr Satbir Aulakh, an overseas trained doctor working in Humpty Doo, a town of 4,000 people in the Northern Territory.

In regional, rural and remote Australia, demand for doctors outstrips supply, so there are Government incentives to boost your daily rates if you work somewhere that’s classified as a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS). Your travel, accommodation and vehicle costs will be either subsidised or – more likely - completely covered.

You can be a locum anywhere if you have general or specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority (AHPRA) and a Medicare provider number. However, for more isolated assignments, you may need additional qualifications – your locum agent will advise. The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine offers upskilling and refresher courses and there are government grants for eligible doctors.

Being a regional locum isn’t for everyone. It’s best for people who are open to new experiences, happy to take on extra responsibilities and enjoy being part of a close community. If this sounds like you, ask us about current opportunities.

The A-Z of surviving your first day on a new locum assignment

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 11:11:42 GMT

Preparing for the first day of your new locum assignment? Be sure to read these useful A-Z tips from some experienced locums!

It’s day one of your new locum assignment in a place you’ve never worked before. How do you cope? Here’s an A-Z of advice from some experienced locums...

Administration

Even if your Locum Agent has provided details in advance, your new hospital or practice may want you to complete some paperwork. You’ll also have to pose for a security photo and collect your ID badge, parking pass and maybe a separate access pass.

Clothes

Even on a short assignment, you’ll be expected to dress smartly. If you take your own scrubs or white coat, you won’t have to go hunting for something that fits.

Doctor’s bag

You can’t assume all the standard equipment and supplies will be easy to find or even there. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to take a doctor’s bag with basics such as a stethoscope and other tools of the trade. For a helpful list, click here.

Early bird

Getting there 30 minutes in advance gives you time to make introductions, orient yourself and make sure your consulting room has everything you need. Let reception know you’ve arrived then find the person you’re reporting to.

Food

Prepare a packed lunch so you can eat on the run and aren’t faced with expensive, poor quality food choices in the canteen or local snack bar.

Humour

You’ll win friends by not getting visibly frustrated when you get lost or forget names. Laugh it off, don’t let mistakes throw you, and thank anyone who helps.

Induction

In a large hospital, there will probably be a formal induction process but sometimes there’s no time or nobody is available. If you’re left to figure out things yourself, persuade someone to show you round and answer your questions.

Locum pack

Even if there’s no induction process, there’s probably a locum information pack This can be printed or online, so find out where it is then read it. You’ll learn about everything from locating emergency exits to getting an outside line on the phone, so it will save a lot of time and energy.

Orientation

As well as being able to get yourself around key working areas such as wards, consulting rooms and pharmacies, it’s important to know the location of more mundane needs - locker rooms, stationery cabinets, toilets, kitchens and so on.

Protocols

Ask about the facility’s protocols for common situations such as ordering blood tests, referring patients to specialists and issuing repeat prescriptions. These vary, so don’t assume that what applies elsewhere is correct here.

Questions

You don’t know what normal looks like around here and no induction covers everything, so be observant. Nobody wants to be a pest but if you don’t ask questions, you won’t be a productive member of the team.

“Chances are you can find an ally who is willing to assist you, some empathetic soul who already knows the drill and is willing to share it with you,” advises Dr Elizabeth Lumpkin , a locum anaesthesiologist.

Relationships

Your locum experiences stands or falls on other people. Patients, receptionists, specialists, doctors, nurses, porters – be friendly and helpful to them all from the first day. Always wear your name tag so you’re not just another faceless locum.

Systems

The quicker you learn the technology, the more efficient you’ll be. If there’s no training, ask someone to spend half an hour going through the facility’s programs, systems and intranet so you know how to access forms, patient notes and other resources.

Unwritten rules

There are unofficial hierarchies and rules in every workplace, so it’s best to be neutrally friendly to everyone until you know the environment better.

“Tread carefully. As one who has done both emergency and anaesthesia locums over the years, you have to keep your antennae wriggling!” says hospital locum Dr Michael Levis.

The top five reasons to become a locum

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 10:57:15 GMT

Thinking of becoming a medical locum? Check out this post to find the top five reasons to take the leap and becoming a locum.

Medical professionals become locums for all kinds of reasons. After speaking to some of our Omega Medical regulars, I’ve compiled a list of the top five.

1.Control

As I explained in my last blog , being in complete control of your working conditions is an excellent way to avoid burnout because you can achieve the balanced life that so many medical professionals want but don’t get.

It means that you choose where, when and how you work, instead of having to accept what’s allocated. You’re free to take two months off during ski season, work just three days a week or only accept school-hour shifts. You can prioritise assignments close to home, or travel and build up your career at the same time. Many medical professionals find this freedom changes their lives for the better.

2.Variety

One of the top complaints from permanent staff is that their work has become boring. Same place, same people, same medical conditions. This is rarely true when you’re a locum.

Your assignments will expose you to a vast range of specialists, patients, facilities and geographies. You will encounter pathologies you haven’t seen before, learn different techniques and gain new perspectives on old problems. Not only will a broader experience make you more engaged with work, it will strengthen your resume.

3.Patients

Locums have no teaching obligations, stand apart from internal politics and have a much smaller administrative burden than staff members. All they have to focus on is patient care - the main reason most people join the medical profession in the first place.

The average locum experiences far more face to face patient time than their permanent equivalent. They also have the opportunity to enhance their patient skills by working assignments around professional development courses or stepping outside their comfort zone to work in remote areas of Australia or a developing country.

4.Flexibility

Locum assignment come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you’re a new doctor hoping a locum assignment will lead to a permanent job, or semi-retired and wanting to keep your skills up to date. You could be building a portfolio career, in between jobs or keen to live as a local in another country. Whatever your requirements, it’s possible to build your locum career around them.

To make the most of the flexibility, have clear parameters about what you want - and don’t want - for key factors such as working hours, geographical location, type of facility and assignment duration. That means having clear goals, whether you want to improve your golf swing, spend time with your new baby or start a research project you’re passionate about.

5.Money

While locum work can be lucrative, how much you will be paid depends on factors such the facility’s location, the length of the assignment and your skills and experience.

In general, you’re likely to be earning more than your full-time equivalent on a daily basis, and if you’re working away from home, your accommodation and vehicle costs will be paid for by the employing facility. There’s usually also plenty of opportunity to take on more highly paid shifts.

On the downside, whether you want them or not, you may find yourself with unpaid days off in between assignments.

My advice is to factor in the money - you don’t want to end up out of pocket - but don’t make it the main reason for choosing to be a locum. As with many things in life, it’s a trade-off. You may decide the other reasons I’ve outlined are enough, and earning more money is just a bonus.

Doctor burnout - are you at risk?

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 10:41:04 GMT

Discover the top signs of burnout for doctors and medical professionals. Also, find some useful tips on how to effectively manage stress.

Back in 2013, when beyondblue conducted a world first survey into the mental health of Australian doctors and medical students, they uncovered a higher level of job-related burnout than in any other profession. Their findings attracted plenty of media interest, because most people were surprised. Most people except medical professionals and their families, that is.

Three years later, the rates and severity of doctor burnout have got worse. The most vulnerable groups are critical care and emergency personnel, GPs, Indigenous and overseas-trained medical professionals, rural doctors and women. Not surprisingly, the greatest level of burnout is among interns and Residents, who often struggle when they transition to a demanding full-time work environment.

Why does it happen?

Everyone has different triggers, but most burnout is caused by a perfect storm of stressors. The worst culprit is constantly working long, high-intensity shifts that leave no room for life outside work. Other common complaints are being buried under paperwork and encountering pain, misery and death every day.

These circumstances can create a personal work environment where even the most dedicated doctor is exhausted, has no personal life, and loses confidence in their abilities. No wonder they feel like a cog in a massive wheel.

What should I look out for?

Whether it’s to help yourself, your colleagues or your patients, every medical professional should recognise the most common mental and emotional symptoms of burnout. The three accepted signs are:

1) Emotional exhaustion - Being emotionally overextended and exhausted

2) De-personalisation - lacking empathy towards patients, colleagues and managers

3) Personal accomplishment - feeling incompetent and a failure.

This cocktail of feelings results in an angry, detached and cynical doctor and can have a major impact on physical health in the form of endless colds, constant lethargy or substance abuse. If you experience some or all these symptoms, you could be burned out.

Can’t I just keep going?

Emphatically - no. As a doctor, it’s your duty to provide patients with the best possible level of healthcare. All the evidence shows that medical professionals with burnout are more likely to make mistakes, have dissatisfied patients, and experience relationship breakdowns at work and home. In extreme cases, they can contemplate suicide.

People react differently to burnout: some believe it has no impact on their life, others want to leave medicine. Wherever you are on the burnout scale, you should seek help for the good of yourself and others. Imagine you’re a patient with the same symptoms, and treat yourself accordingly.

So how do I avoid it - or manage it?

Get support. While burnout used to be something you were expected to cope with yourself, there is more awareness now and many health facilities regard it as a communal problem. So if you think you have, or might get, burnout, seek help from your colleagues and managers. You might be able to reduce your hours or access an employee assistance program.

Live healthily. You’re a doctor - you know the drill. Ditch the junk food, exercise regularly and get some balance in your life. And however busy you are, try not to skip lunch.

Be self-aware. Many doctors diagnose burnout symptoms in other people, but not themselves. Every so often, do a personal mental health check - maybe a Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) evaluation - and be familiar with your stress-triggers.

Take control. If you think you’re heading for burnout, you probably feel you’ve lost control. Get it back by standing up for yourself and managing your work-life balance better. If your facility is short-staffed and you’re regularly rostered on to work day and night or asked to provide cover at short notice, get up the courage to say something to your manager. And make sure there is enough time to spend with your family, pursue a hobby or learn something new. Not having time to do these things is the number one reason for doctor burnout.

Five must-haves as a locum

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 11:03:56 GMT

Becoming a locum is both exciting and challenging. These top must-haves will help you make the most of this career move.

Every locum experience is different, but some advice applied to them all. We asked our most seasoned locums for their top survival tips...

1. Correct credentials

Credentialing for new doctors can be a challenge, so having your documentation in order means your locum agent and the hospital administrators will be happy and you can get to work immediately. What’s required varies by country, state, region and even hospital - your locum agent should be able to advise you.

At a minimum, you’ll need a current resume, references, medical registration papers, specialist certification, driver’s licence, passport and visas. Make sure your vaccination record card is current too. In Australia, you’ll also need the results of the National Police Check and Working With Children (WWC) check for the states you work in - your locum agent should organise this.

Scan and email the documents to your locum agent, who will need them for employers and to satisfy health authority compliance regulations. Each one needs to be certified, as photocopied signatures aren’t accepted. And store it all securely in the cloud or on a USB.

2. Willingness to learn

Whether your assignment is at somewhere you know or a place you’ve never visited, you’ll want to be productive quickly. That means being adaptable and open to learning new things. Remember - first impressions matter.

If you’re offered an induction, go along, listen and take notes. If you’re not, ask for one. You need someone to give you a guided tour, run through how things are done there and answer your questions. Your induction should include a technology ‘how to’ - unfamiliar systems are every locum’s nightmare. The onus is on you to learn them so you can be efficient and create patient notes that support continuity of care after you’ve gone. Your ability to impress your new hospital will ensure you’re invited back.

3. Two-way feedback

It’s more comforting to work in a facility you know something about, so do some research. Do any friends or colleagues work there? What about fellow locums? Ask for their honest opinions about the culture, standards and practices. Your locum agent may be able to help too.

Of course, you need feedback too. Before you leave, ask for references while your work is still fresh in people’s minds, and send them to your locum agent. Having great references will have a positive impact when hospitals are considering you for your next locum assignment.

4. A supportive network

An experienced locum agent can make a difference - most regular locum doctors have good relationships with their agent. Keep them updated about your availability, access to airports, clinical capabilities, travelling preferences and other expectations. Locum work can be lonely sometimes, and knowing you have someone looking out for you while you’re travelling or on assignment will make a positive difference.

Being a full-time locum can be stressful so get support. Life will be easier if you have a good accountant who understands how locums work and a well-informed locum agent who understands the travel and accommodation options so you don’t spend hours on internet research. You’ll also appreciate having access to fitness facilities - staying healthy can be difficult when you’re travelling.

A social network is important too - no doctor is an island. Try to stay connected with friends when you’re away and schedule catch-ups when you’re back, even if you’re dog-tired. When you’re on assignment, accept social invitations and try to make friends. Most importantly of all, your family needs to be supportive, particularly your partner. Work schedules and time differences can make it hard to find time to call home, but try your hardest and be upbeat when you do, so your partner doesn’t worry. If they can visit or travel with you, that’s even better.

5. A positive attitude

Your attitude towards your colleagues and patients is as important as your competence. It will affect your references and your chances of being invited back, even if you’re a medical superstar. Many competent doctors don’t receive invites to return based on feedback from other staff members. And being pleasant to work with will make the experience more enjoyable for you.

Each facility has its own routines and culture, and it’s up to you to fit in - don’t try to impose your own way of doing things. People don’t want to hear “we don’t do it like this at my hospital”. And be humble enough to seek help if you forget how something is done.

Often, small things can make the most impression - good and bad. You’ll earn extra brownie points for being on time for meetings, joining in with celebrations and handing out your phone number so people can ask questions after you leave.

Treat every assignment like a permanent job, where you’re part of a team that cares and willing to put in extra effort. After all, how would you feel if you were on permanent staff and a locum acted as if they couldn’t wait to be out of there?

About Warwick: Warwick is the Managing Director of Omega Medical. Omega Medical provides locum doctors to all public and private health facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Omega Medical work with all specialities and with doctors at all levels of seniority. If you would like further information regarding the locum market Warwick can be contacted on 02 8005 3447 or warwick@omegamedical.com.au