Surviving in the sticks | |
A professional odyssey in general practice. Brian H Connor. Sydney: McGraw-Hill 1998 (xiii + 95 pp.). ISBN: 0 07 470610 1. |
"The perspective of these writings -- and there does inevitably need to be some sort of perspective -- comes from a background of more than thirty years of rural medical practice." In this way, Brian Connor introduces us to his view, a cultured view, of rural general practice. His book comprises 21 essays intended as teaching units and 6 appendices, each in reality expressing compelling personal views. These are presented as an elegant and direct essay, followed by a question for discussion, suggested issues, key points and a reference list. Advice is extraordinarily disciplined and must appeal to those practical young doctors who are entering rural practice. For those who know the life, much may seem common sense -- but advice on a scale such as this is rare and very, very hard to write down. Dr Brian Connor, from Armidale, NSW, has an enviable reputation in general practice education and thought. He has been a leader in his field, and is somewhat of an elder statesman in rural medical practice. Dr Connor will not be the last of Australia's impressive rural GPs, for in this country size dictates that generalists will be around for a while yet. This book ensures that his years of experience will be passed on to subsequent generations of rural GPs. Topics chosen range from ethics through to self-care and include drugs, violence and medicine in society. His prose is direct and clear, with uncompromising insight. At all times the author remains a guide who offers years of experience and certainty to support younger doctors in rapidly changing times. Bruce Harris
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