Southern Dave

Dave, a GP from New Zealand's southern shores, resumes his weekly jottings about the state of the world and general practice

A visit to our nephew “Tim” at the weekend. He had tested positive

The one type of consultation I have real problems with is the medical for combat sports. Here we are charged with pronouncing a patient fit and well enough so they can be pummelled or pummel others with risk of both acute and long-term injuries to all and sundry

A patient has been diagnosed with a rare condition. I think it wise to do a “literature” search. Not a high-powered search through the highly influential journals such as the BMJ, Lancet, JAMA, or even the Journal of Primary Health Care from our esteemed college

Our local CME group has retained the Zoom option, as I am sure most CME groups have. This evening I am doubly apprehensive

A friend from near Dunedin tells me about their contamination scare where lead was found to be present in the drinking water. The story is multifaceted and includes officials making mistakes

“Lovely to see you, Dave. You look so fit and well after your Christmas break, and dare I say, more handsome than ever.”