Dr Mark Cavill has been one of the dedicated doctors working for National Home Doctor Service for more than ten years. Below he shares what it’s like to be on the road visiting patients and what he enjoys most about his job every day.
The variety each day brings:
- Ask any GP if treating patients is all coughs and colds and they'll probably laugh and say “if only”! The persity of patients and symptoms that you can treat on a daily basis is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. I thrive on the variety and thrill of not knowing what will come from each home visit.
Feeling valued:
- The biggest tick of all is the people; it is the patients who make my job so enjoyable. To be invited into a person’s home to offer medical care is an honour, and you are always welcomed. I have been met in the driveway with cups of tea, offered to have my car parked and even offered dinner. I know it's a small thing, but as doctors we always appreciate our relationships with patients.
Flexibility:
- Home visiting is a unique and privileged job. The work is flexible, not only for us as doctors, but for the patients too. We know how valuable it is for parents who are worried about a child’s high fever or earache; or for carers who want a doctor to check their elderly parent after a fall as the service allows them to stay home. In my view, young families and the elderly find this service invaluable.
Seeing the good with the bad:
- Being a GP you get the highs with the lows. Treating patients can be tough at times, but there are many positives. Think of managing patients during positive times in their life such as pregnancy and seeing patients get back to good health after a chronic illness.
If you need a visit from National Home Doctor Service, call 13 SICK. Home Doctor is available for home visits from 6pm weeknights, 12 noon on Saturdays, all day Sundays and public holidays. To find out if we cover your area, simply type your postcode in our suburb locator here.
