AMA VICDOC Spring 2023 - Magazine - Page 77
DR JOHN SHI
Junior Medical Officer's
T heGuide
to the Hospital Universe:
A Survival Manual starts within hospital
walls and is a valuable tool for all those
embarking on their medical career
journey. Authored by an experienced
doctor in training, this manual is a
valuable compass for successfully
navigating working in a hospital and
surviving as a junior medical officer.
As the author himself notes, the book
is about life in medicine, particularly
‘admin’. Prepared as a reference book
and a very practical guide, this is not
a book to sit down and read from cover
to cover, but rather one to dip into
as needed. There is a detailed list of
contents which makes it easy to find
relevant information, plus a glossary
and an index at the end.
That said, it’s an easy and interesting
read as the language is authentic and
real. Shi does not shy away from a
realistic appraisal of the mundane and
the challenging nature of being a junior
doctor. However, he does emphasise
the need for efficiency and provides
a lot of advice about techniques to
manage repetitive task and stresses
the importance of finding time for
self-care.
Each chapter is a treasure trove of
insights, covering everything from the
art of effective communication with
patients, families and colleagues to
tips for managing ward rounds and
keeping up with discharge summaries.
Shi includes tips for saving time and
covers life admin topics like pay,
salary packaging and tax as well
as employment entitlements.
One of the book’s standout features is
its emphasis on teamwork and effective
communication within the hospital
environment. Shi dedicates ample
space to upskilling readers on how to
collaborate seamlessly with nurses,
allied healthcare professionals, and
senior colleagues. It underscores the
importance of fostering a supportive
and respectful atmosphere.
A minor draw back that readers need
to be aware of is that, as Shi is based
in New South Wales, he refers to a
specific EMR system which is not used
by all hospitals in Australia. Likewise, he
refers to NSW employment entitlements
which may be different in other states
and territories of Australia. However,
provided readers keep this in mind,
it shouldn’t detract from the relevance
of his overall messages.
Of course, different readers will
find some sections more relevant
than others, depending on their
specialties or experience. However,
the author’s consistent encouragement
of adaptability and resilience through
practical techniques to enhance
workload management and work-life
balance are valuable for all.
This survival manual will be very
useful for junior medical officers, for
intern doctors as they transition from
medical students to doctors and for
doctors who have trained overseas and
who are unfamiliar with the Australian
medical system. It makes a great
graduation gift for medical students and
I strongly recommend it to all overseas
trained doctors entering the workforce
in an Australian hospital.
VI CD O C SPRI N G 202 3
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