Hello all. A little off topic, however the ability to communicate in the area of medicine is so very important.
For a number of years ( at least 15 that I can recall), an ex resident of the Kimberley and my home town in particular, has been organising a week "familiarisation" of life in remote areas for medical students from Notre Dame University, Fremantle. The idea is to encourage medical students to think about working in remote areas after they graduate.
Ian and I have been involved in either hosting the students in our home, in the businesses that we have owned or managed or, in Ian's case driving them out to the various cattle stations for their week there.
It is an "eye opening" experience. We have met some wonderful young people, some of whom have flourished and enjoyed their experience and some, for whom it would be better, if they never left their mummy's backyard!
Just spending time in the company of these young medical students (all of whom are in their third year of medical studies) you could pick out by a Kimberley mile who was way out of their comfort zone.
The organiser of these experiences embraces idea that the ability to communicate is so very important and that knowledge of your patients' lives is essential.
Last year when we were unable to take part, this wonderful warm lady took it upon herself (when she found out why) in the middle of her very busy working life to phone us and just say "hello". An example of good, friendly and warm communication.
