Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Comment
Ranjana Srivastava

There is no such thing as ‘just’ a GP. The best have a profound grasp of the human condition

Australia’s continuing drought of GPs has been dubbed the ‘most terrifying statistic’ in healthcare
Australia’s continuing drought of GPs has been dubbed the ‘most terrifying statistic’ in healthcare. Photograph: sturti/Getty Images

“I am sorry to trouble you, but she says she’s bedbound and would rather die than have further chemo.”

This message elicits the immediate response it deserves. The GP received his patient’s call at 5am, prompting his call to me. I promptly organise help for the patient who is thankfully stable but rattled. Much later, I ask her the question that intrigued me.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.