David Oliver: A bittersweet farewell to my ward
BMJ 2022; 378 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o2150 (Published 07 September 2022) Cite this as: BMJ 2022;378:o2150
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Dear Editor,
Thanks to David for his personal view. Powerful.
The one thing that stood out was his comment about the “exponential” rise in complexity of patients. Advancing medical science achieved by very clever people focusing on one system has led to much greater longevity. However, for generalists, both GP and hospital, this results in patients whose multi system “complexity” is beyond executive management by even the most motivated and brilliant physician. When things go wrong, which they do because of the complexity, the same one system people make comments on why things went wrong and the “brilliant” failing general physician feels a lot less brilliant. The net result is very good doctors feel like bad doctors, which makes them even less able to deal with the unmanageable complexity.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Dear Editor
Retirement needs to be taken more seriously, as a gradual process rather than a sudden "falling off a cliff" event.
There is plenty to be done, teaching, mentoring, examining and much else that does not require the physical stamina of intense clinical work. A system is needed that enables older doctors to keep up to date and provides a trusted mentor who will watch out for signs that it really is time to stop.
Ignoring this is not only bad for doctors' mental and physical health, it is a waste of valuable resources.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: David Oliver: A bittersweet farewell to my ward
Dear Editor,
Compliments to Dr Oliver on his achievements. May his retirement be accompanied by good health.
Retired Sydney GP
Competing interests: No competing interests