Doctors Who ...

The Dr Eric Dark Memorial Lecture Video Recordings and MJA Writing Competition Results

ebastian — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:38:33 +0000

On Saturday 10th March 2012 the winners of the Medical Journal of Australia Writing Competition, sponsored by Varuna, were announced at the Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner.

The 110 entries from around Australia were shortlisted by the MJA and Varuna and the winners were selected in consultation with judge Dr Leah Kaminsky, one of Varuna’s alumni and now a literary editor at the MJA. The winners were Dr Susan E. Fox, with her entry “Hands off the Breech” and ANU student Paulina Wojciechowska with her entry “In my darkness”. Both entries have been published in April’s edition of the Medical Journal of Australia. This month the journal also features an interview with doctor and writer Peter Goldsworthy.

On the night, the Dr Eric Dark Memorial Lecture was presented by Associate Professor Grant Blashki and in the video below he is introduced by Dr Tanveer Ahmed. There are also short introductory presentations by the panellists on the “Doctors Who …” Q&A Panel – Dr Arthur Chesterfield Evans, Dr Hilton Koppe, Dr Leah Kaminsky, Dr Michelle Cahill, Dr Loubna Haikal and Dr Tony Chu. Click on the images below to view the videos.

Associate Professor Grant Blashki

Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans

Dr Hilton Koppe

Dr Leah Kaminsky

Dr Michelle Cahill

Dr Loubna Haikal

Dr Tony Chu

Poems in the Waiting Room Australia launch

ebastian — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:05:11 +0000

It was with great pleasure, and pride in the talent and generosity of our alumni, that Varuna launched Poems in the Waiting Room, Australia at the Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner on Saturday 10th March, 2012.

While planning for the new “Doctors Who …” program last year, Varuna was delighted when local resident and radio announcer Pamela Croci approached us in mid-November to see if we might be interested in getting involved with an international program, launched in the UK, called Poems in the Waiting Room.

Pamela introduced Varuna to Ruth Arnison in New Zealand, who runs the program very successfully there, and to Michael Sheridan Stone, Director of PitWR Worldwide. Both proved to be extraordinarily supportive of Varuna launching the program in Australia and rallied to support us as we set ourselves the challenging goal of getting our first poetry card produced in time to distribute to doctors at the Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner.

PitWR worked with us to help select appropriate poems and provided us with an establishment grant from The Beatrice Trust UK to finance our first print run, which we produced locally with Bennetts Printing in the Blue Mountains.

These Poetry cards are now available to be distributed for free throughout medical waiting rooms in Australia. To continue the project we now need to seek support from the wider community for future print runs. As a sponsor’s name can be printed on the front cover this is a great opportunity to support potry and reach a wide cross-section of the community for a very small outlay.

Contact Varuna if you’d like some poetry cards for your waiting room and/or if you’d like to sponsor our next print run.

Our first edition features eight of Varuna’s alumni who are also participants on Varuna’s Writer-a-Day blog - two of these, Dr Leah Kaminsky and Dr Michelle Cahill, were also presenters on the panel at the Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner. The other poets in our first edition are Ivy Alvarez, Mark O’Flynn, Craig Billingham, Deb Westbury, Mary Ryan and Tim Thorne.

Poems in the Waiting Room (PitWR) is an arts in health charity and is the most extensive arts in health program in the UK. It was described in a House of Lords debate as the most widely read poetry publication in the country. Research conducted on the program has shown that “poetry acts possibly as an adjuvant to medical care; that PitWR appeals widely across a range of social conditions; that some nine in ten poetry cards are taken away by patients and that the availability enhances patients’ satisfaction.”

“The scheme was launched independently in its current poetry card format in autumn 1998.”

(From Poems in the Waiting Room Information Sheet)

Inaugural Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner and Doctors Writing/Righting the World Q&A Panel

ebastian — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:33:51 +0000

Proudly sponsored by Falls Wines

The inaugural Dr Eric Dark Memorial Dinner was held to honour the legacy of Dr Eric Dark and celebrate

“Doctors Who …” create, innovate, advocate and collaborate for

the “health of the nation”

It was also a fundraising dinner being organised by the Eleanor Dark Foundation to support Varuna the Writers’ House and all its programs

For enquiries about the event, including attendance at next year’s event, call Lis on 02 47825761 or email lis@varuna.com.au

Varuna, in Katoomba (venue for the Writing Workshops), and the Fairmont Resort in Leura (venue for the Dinner) are about 2 hours west of Sydney by train or car. Local car hire is available (Thrifty 1300 367 227 Europcar 1300 555 242). To look at a map, click here.

“Doctors Who …” Dinner

Saturday 10th March

from 6pm at the Fairmont Resort, Leura

in the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains

Choosing the pen rather than the red – “Doctors Who…” Writing Workshop

ebastian — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:26:26 +0000

Dr. Hilton Koppe's attendance sponsored by North Coast GP Training

Photo: Dr Hilton Koppe who will be leading the Varuna “Doctors Who …” Writing Workshop on the 10th and 11th March 2012 with Doctor and author Leah Kaminsky.

When Lennox Head GP and well respected medical teacher, Dr Hilton Koppe, received a poem from a patient (reflecting her views of the care he had offered her during a recent protracted illness) which ended with the line “I should perhaps instead seek a vet”, Hilton was faced with a choice … should he reach for the glass of red wine sitting next to him at the dining room table, in an attempted to quell the emotions raging inside of him as a result of reading such a poem (his preferred default position), or should he listen to the strange thought in his head which was saying “Well, if it was good enough for her to write a poem about how she was feeling …”, and instead pick up a pen and write a poem in response (something he had not done since Miss Black made the whole class write a poem in Grade 4)?

Luckily for Hilton, and for all of us, he chose the pen rather than the red. As he sat there writing his first poem for 30 years, a strange thing happened. The more he wrote, the less emotional turmoil there was inside of him, and the better he felt. He was reminded of a line from his favourite poem “Everything is going to be alright”, by Irish poet, Derek Mahon, which goes; “The poems flow from the hand unbidden/And the hidden source is the watchful heart”. Much to Hilton’s surprise, the poem did flow, and it seemed to him that the source was the emotion he was feeling as a result of reading his patient’s poem. He wondered if other doctors might also find it useful to have the opportunity to write poems about some of the more difficult aspects of their work.

As a result of this musing, Hilton was then faced with another choice … should he consign this thought to the repository of thousands of other random thoughts he’d had over the years (his preferred default position), or should he be bold and brave and act on this thought.

Luckily for Hilton, and for all of us, he chose action rather than the thought scrapheap. He was already involved in developing and delivering programs aimed at improving the wellbeing of doctors, so it was not too much of a detour off this path to work with a creative writing teacher to develop a writing workshop specifically for doctors. These workshops had a number of goals:

Offer doctors an opportunity to explore the use of writing as a means of helping them better understand the effects that their work has on their wellbeing, both positive and negative
Offer doctors an opportunity to share with colleagues some of their deeper reflections on what it means to be a doctor, with creative writing as the catalyst for this discussion
Re-ignite previously lost passions for creativity
Offer doctors an opportunity to have light-hearted, constructive fun with colleagues while exploring the darker side of their responses to their work

These writing workshops have been an overwhelming success. Hilton is now regularly invited to present this work around Australia and internationally. In 2011, he ran writing workshops in UNESCO’s first three International Literary Cities – Edinburgh, Iowa and Melbourne – which Hilton says is like winning the Grand Slam of writing gigs. The workshops vary from 1 hour interactive presentations at large medical conferences with audiences of up to 1500, to smaller intimate 2 day retreats.

“When I think back to the moment years ago when I looked at the red, but chose the pen, I can see that it changed my life for the better in ways unimaginable to me in that instant. I now am in the privileged position of having something which I absolutely love doing as part of my working life. But even more than that, if the workshops help doctors to return to their consulting rooms feeling happier and with a greater sense of humanity and humility about them, then that has got to be good for the people who come to see them. In some way, this work allows me to help people I will never even meet. Of course, as a teacher, that is a wonderful thing.”

Over the last 12 months, Hilton has expanded the workshop format to enable him to deliver creative writing sessions for young people affected by serious illness. This has included work with CANTEEN, and more recently, with Our Kids. Videos of some of the young people speaking about their experiences and reading some of their poetry can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/07/04/3260807.htm

We are delighted that Hilton is joining forces with Dr Leah Kaminsky, author of The Pen and the Stethoscope to present a two day writing retreat/workshop as part of Varuna’s “Doctors Who …” event.

When: Commencing with a get-together on Friday evening 9th March (optional) followed by two full days Sat/Sun 10th & 11th March 2012

Where: Varuna, the Writers’ House – 141 Cascade St Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW Australia

Cost: $300 including lunch

Bookings: Numbers for this retreat are strictly limited so bookings are essential to our online booking site – click here

Enquiries: to Lis at Varuna on 02 47825761 or lis@varuna.com.au

Preparation: It is recommended that participants read a copy of Leah Kaminsky’s “The Pen and the Stethoscope”

Doctors’ Writing Retreat at Varuna 5-12th March

ebastian — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:31:16 +0000

Dr Hilton Koppe's attendance sponsored by North Coast GP Training

From the 5th – 12th March, Varuna the Writers’ House and former home of Dr Eric Dark, will be hosting a Doctors’ Writing Retreat. Writer-in-Residence will be Dr Hilton Koppe, who will also be working with Dr Leah Kaminsky to lead a Writing Workshop on Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th March.

Open to all in the medical profession, the retreat provides an opportunity to work in “splendid isolation” – while at Varuna you need do nothing but write!

Cost: $850 includes 7 days accommodation, writing space, all meals, writing facilities and library as well as the cameraderie of other doctor-writers each evening over dinner.

Click HERE to find out more about staying at Varuna and click HERE to watch a video on staying at Varuna.

Varuna can also organise a writing consultant to work with you if you need additional support.

All bookings directly to Varuna by emailing varuna(at)varuna.com.au or ringing 47825764

The Medical Journal of Australia Dr Eric Dark Creative Writing Prize

ebastian — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:56:02 +0000

The photo above is called Four Doctors and a Journalist and includes Dr Eric Dark, second from the right. Dr Dark was a prolific writer and his ideas also influenced the creative writing of his wife Eleanor.

(See the MJA article Eleanor Dark’s Slow Dawning: a woman in rural practice in the 1920′s)

Dr Dark’s publications included three articles that appeared in the MJA:

Medicine and the Social Order April 3, 1937
Property and Health March 4, 1939
Some Medical Aspects of Crime Jan 4, 1941

He also gave a 1943 lecture that was later published as a pamphlet in June 1944:
The Social Duties of Medicine June 1944

Varuna, the Writers’ House is pleased to announce that it is building on Dr Dark’s legacy and has partnered with the Medical Journal of Australia to launch a creative writing competition open to all practising and retired doctors and medical students.

It will be judged by Varuna, the MJA and Dr Leah Kaminsky.

Creative pieces of up to 1500 words, grounded in health or medicine and based loosely on the topic “Splendid Isolation”, will compete in two categories:

Retired and Practising Doctors – Prize includes a 1 week residential writing retreat at Varuna the Writers’ House and a weekend writing workshop for doctors at Varuna lead by Dr Hilton Koppe and Dr Leah Kaminsky.

Medical Students – Prize includes a weekend writing workshop for doctors at Varuna.

Closing date: Monday 5th March, 2012

Submissions via email to creativewritingcompetition@mja.com.au

Winners will be announced at the “Doctors Who …” Dinner at the Fairmont Resort on Saturday 10th March 2012.

Winning entries and other outstanding pieces of writing will be published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
For more information visit the MJA Online.

Boars Head Abseil and Climb Expedition

ebastian — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:20:13 +0000

The photo by Jim Starkey above is of Dr Eric Dark abseiling off Boars Head.

Dr Eric Dark is acknowledge as one of Australia’s pioneer rockclimbers. In 1929, he founded and was a leading light in what is probably Australia’s first rock climbing club, the Blue Mountaineers (also known locally as the Katoomba Suicide Club).

To commemorate his extraordinary achievements Varuna has organised a special Boars Head Abseil and Climb Expedition with the Blue Mountains Adventure Company as part of the “Doctors Who …” week.

The special of $175 pp for the Boars Head abseil & climb adventure, includes lunch and all the equipment.
Maximum of 6 climbers.

The tour leader will reflect on Dr Dark’s ideas around health and how that relates relates to current society/lifestyles and conservation issues.
It will be the chance for participants to physically connect with a big aspect of Eric & Eleanor’s life – the bush. To feel what they felt and appreciate why Eric felt the way he did about health.

Boars Head Abseil and Climb Expedition
Overlooking the Megalong Valley and Narrow Neck plateau this tour involves descending a large cliff line (approx. 200 metres) of the upper Blue Mountains in a series of stages or ‘pitches’. This five pitch expedition boasts some exciting abseiling as you straddle and then descend into the massive chasm that forms the second and third pitches. When you reach the last ledge – still a long way above the valley floor – you will traverse on a narrow ledge around the base of the Boars Head Buttress before climbing the classic rock climb “Old Shandy” in two pitches and with extreme exposure to heights make sure you ready yourself. After this we follow a skyline traverse on narrow ledges and interesting rock features back to the cars. An awesome experience.

Click on picture above to watch video of Boar’s Head

Another Boars Head variation for those who are not keen on the climbing aspect is to continue the journey to the very base of the cliffs with another 50metre abseil then a bushwalk up through Devils Hole to return to the cliff top.
Boars Head Abseil Expedition
Overlooking the Megalong Valley and Narrow Neck plateau this tour involves descending a large cliffline (approx. 200 metres) of the upper Blue Mountains in a series of stages or ‘pitches’. No experience is necessary but be ready for some exposure to heights! This five pitch expedition boasts some exciting abseiling and interesting traverses as you straddle and then descend into the massive chasm that forms the second and third pitches. The rainforest bushwalk through the historic Devil’s Hole takes you back to the cliff top.”
Tour size: 10

Both versions start at 9am and finish by 5pm and essentially run together until the climbers start going back up and the rest keep going down!

Numbers will be limited for these Expeditions so bookings essential to lis@varuna.com.au or 02 47825761

Leah Kaminsky’s “The Pen and the Stethoscope”

ebastian — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:28:27 +0000

Leah Kaminsky is an award-winning author and a practising family physician. She has published prose and poetry in many literary magazines and newspapers, and is the author of four books, including Stitching Things Together, a collection of poetry. She is currently completing her first novel, has studied writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, NYU, and RMIT universities, and is a student in the MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpellier, USA.

Leah will be leading the Doctors’ Writing Workshop with Dr Hilton Koppe at Varuna on the 10th and 11th March 2012.

In 2010 she edited a collection of writing by doctors called The Pen and the Stethoscope.

Here are some quotes about the book gathered by Scribe publications.

It is through writing that many doctors have plumbed the depths and richness of their experiences and, in turn, used this to explore their patients’ inner lives.

The Pen and the Stethoscope is a unique collection of fiction and non-fiction by doctor–writers that gives us a fascinating look behind the doctor’s mask, and gets inside the minds of those who deal with enormous existential issues and traumatic situations on a daily basis.

These stories canvass emotional experiences acutely felt by doctors: an awareness of our mortality, of how humanity interplays with medicine, of the weight of responsibility carried by the profession. They bring into sharp focus, in many cases, the point of view of the patient, illuminating the experience of grief, trauma, illness, and ageing that doctors witness through their work.

With a foreword by Jerome Groopman, contributors include Oliver Sacks, Atul Gawande, Irvin Yalom, Jacinta Halloran, Abraham Verghese, Gabriel Weston, Peter Goldsworthy, John Murray, Robert Jay Lifton, Danielle Ofri, Perri Klass, Nick Earls, Ethan Canin, Sandeep Jauhar, and Leah Kaminsky.

‘Everyone is fascinated by writing. Everyone is fascinated by medical practice. In this remarkably creative book, Leah Kaminsky combines the two, and gives a forum to some fascinating and gifted writers, none less so than herself, to write imaginatively and with enchanting insight about the physician’s experience, given that all the contributors are physicians. This is a book for doctors and patients — that is, the lot of us — to relish.’

Thomas Keneally

‘Doctors should make good writers they observe life from a remarkably privileged position. Most of the ones in this mesmerising collection, however, are keen to demythologise their profession, to lay bare their human fragility.’

Dianne Dempsey (Age)

‘This remarkable collection melds science and the soul, logic with feeling, knowledge with wisdom. The voices that the reader hears are among the most prominent in the constellation of physician-writers. What makes these writers so compelling is not only the fluidity of their prose and the intensity of their focus, not only their literary and narrative skills, but also their remarkable degree of self-awareness.’

from the foreword by Jerome Groopman

‘Doctors and writers are very much alike in many ways: they both capture and cure, and sometimes complicate, the human condition. This collection … captures the literary–medical connection in a magnificent and all-encompassing way. Each piece is compelling reading. And Jerome Groopman’s introduction blends perfectly with Kaminsky’s vision of the book, which integrates and encapsulates the essence of this reading experience — “science and the soul”.’

Lee Gutkind, founder and editor of Creative Nonfiction Magazine, author of Truckin’ With Sam

‘Kaminsky is an astute editor … a collection of professional writings that do justice to its contributors’ skills with the pen and the stethoscope.’ (Transnational Literature) ‘I was reading this book when I personally experienced visiting an emergency room. The incident reinforced my feeling that we all need to read this compilation of non-fictional and fictional pieces … The fictional tales are very revealing. Their intimate knowledge, of various diseases, gives rise to chilling stories which allow the mantle of professionalism to drop and lay bare the raw human behind it.’ F.J. O’Dwyer (Toowoomba Chronicle) ‘a unique collection…the stories canvass emotional experiences acutely felt by doctors: an awareness of our mortality, of how humanity interplays with medicine, of the weight of responsibility carried by the profession. They bring into sharp focus the experience of the patient, illuminating the experience of grief, trauma, illness and aging that doctors witness through their work.’

(Post Script) ‘The beauty of this collection is that it speaks of the bittersweet experience of medical practice. Kaminsky … has given us a precious glimpse into the world of a doctor, both as they practice and as they imagine themselves to be.’

(Australian Medicine)

Bushwalking Program: Darks’ Cave & Du Faur Head, Lockley Pylon Track 10th & 11th March 2012

ebastian — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:59:07 +0000

Eric and Eleanor loved the Australian bush – it was a source of both solace and inspiration.

A large black and white map of the Blue Mountain adorned his private study, upon which he marked family bushwalking treks that even today are considered challenging. This immersion in the heart and sandstone soul of their country helped shape the Darks social and moral views, and underpinned some of Eleanor’s key literary works.

As well as a range of self-guided walks along the Jamieson escarpment, guests attending the “Doctors Who…” inaugural week-end have the choice of two guided walks into country that the Dark’s regularly visited.

Dr. Dark’s Cave – Depart FAIRMONT 1 pm Sat March 10 and 8am Sun March 11.

A favourite, private camping cave of the Darks, discovered by Eric and Eleanor in 1937 in a gully off Fortress Ridge. Even today, the cave has many artefacts and reminders of the Darks’ occupation that make the cave come alive. Boil the billy in Eric and Eleanor’s fireplace! A very special 5 hour return journey.

Limit of 8 per trip. Moderate level of fitness required, plus sensible walking shoes or boots and day pack with water bottle. Bookings to lis@varuna.com.au

Du Faur Head, Lockley Pylon Track – Depart FAIRMONT 1 pm Sat and 8am Sunday.

Into the heart of the Grose Valley wilderness. Spectacular views of the upper Grose Valley, sandstone walls, upper mountains heathlands and woodlands. See the country that Joseph Banks’ plant collector George Caley explored in 1804. 5 hours return to The Timeless Land!

Limit of 8 per trip. Moderate level of fitness required, plus sensible walking shoes or boots and day pack with water bottle. Bookings to lis@varuna.com.au

Using Creativity to Help Strike a Work/Life Chord

ebastian — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:25:56 +0000

Many doctors have an artistic side. The Creative Doctors ’ Network provided an outlet for the spark within when it was established by Dr Tony Chu in 2007. This article by Sue Osborne (First published in Australian Doctor 15/10/08) looks at the early days of this network.

HEADING for an AMA lecture theatre on a wet and windy Thursday night wouldn’t usually be top of the agenda, but things turned out pretty sweetly for those attending the inaugural Creative Doctors Network film night in August.

Once they had found shelter from the bracing winter evening, members packing into the NSW AMA’s North Sydney conference centre were pleased to find a bar of chocolate and other refreshments to nibble on as they watched movies created by network members.

While the lecture theatre wasn’t the sexiest of venues, the network members, many who knew each other, created a convivial atmosphere.

As the group settled, Wollongong Hospital paediatric registrar Dr Tony Chu, the driving force behind the network, stood to make a welcome speech.

Dr Chu, an energetic man in his 40s,has dabbled in acting and directing over the years, and has a CV that includes NIDA courses and a recent appearance as a Chinese-restaurant owner on Channel 7’s new sitcom Packed to the Rafters.

The idea of a full-time show-business career sometimes crosses his mind, he says, but he’d “always come back to medicine”.

Last year, in an attempt to meld the two careers, Dr Chu formed the network to allow colleagues on the same wavelength to socialise and collaborate. “I knew there were a lot of doctors out there writing, painting and making music.

“The network supports and inspires interested doctors to give expression to their creative souls, encouraging a better work-life balance.” As he told the audience in his welcome speech: “I had this crazy idea I might not be the only doctor with a creative bent.” Dr Chu contacted the AMA, asking for their support, and they gave it willingly.

Following the wine, juice and sandwiches, the lights dimmed, and as you would expect at any theatrical presentation, trailers and previews followed. However, these were a little different, as they were all produced by Dr Chu and displayed his wry sense of humour.

The first feature, also by Dr Chu, GynaeMechanics, explored the comic consequences when a car mechanic ends up doing a job interview for a gynaecologist’s position, and vice versa.

THE film screenings were broken up with time for discussion, although the evening might have flowed better if all the films were shown together, and discussion time left to the end of the evening.

Many of the audience’s questions related to the actors in the films: were they, for example, professionals or friends and family? Dr Chu explained to the audience that he was part of an acting group that uses its members for many of his productions.

Later in the evening, Dr Chu explained why he thought a creative outlet was so crucial for doctors: their heads were usually full of facts and figures, it was good to be able to tap into the other, less “evidence-based” side.

There were benefits in his practice too, he said. Acting talents help him deliver emotionally charged news, good or bad, to his patients. “I use my acting skills to empathise with my patients — I don’t have a ‘doctor face’ when I’m talking to them. It gives me another layer.”

Other films on the program that night included Medical Experiences in Burma/Myanmar by surgeon Professor Bruce Conolly and his wife, Dr Joyce Connolly, describing their humanitarian work carrying out hand surgery in that country.

The film featured a small girl who had lost her hand, and after the screening Professor Conolly told the audience the girl’s mother had actually chopped it off to help them survive by begging.

One audience member questioned why this was “glossed over” in the film, and while Professor Conolly said he understood the sentiment, he said the film was used as a fundraising tool and could not be too confronting. He was also keen to be allowed to continue his work by the Burmese authorities.

Later in the evening, another film,Undeniable Torment, offered a powerful portrayal of living with schizophrenia. It was made by Sydney psychiatrist Dr Ana-Louise Martin and her son for his HSC exams. Without dialogue, it showed the isolation and fragmentation a schizophrenia patient might experience.

Network member Dr Martin, a former GP, runs Medical Drama (www.medicaldrama.com.au), a small business where doctors undertake acting lessons to help them present more effectively.

Observing students during clinical exams, Dr Martin noticed that while the students knew their stuff, they failed to perform well during presentations.

“There was a high failure rate for candidates undertaking their clinical psychiatry exams they had the clinical knowledge but couldn’t perform under pressure,” Dr Martin said.

The aim of Medical Drama was to “tap into creativity, unleash performance potential and thus improve a doctor’s presentation and communication skills”.

“Doctors are placed in situations most people never have to deal with,”Dr Martin said. “They have to talk to strangers about major life-changing events and remain professional while looking out for themselves.

“Performers need to take on different roles and so do doctors.”

Like Dr Chu, Dr Martin intends to produce more films. “It’s absolutely important for doctors to be in touch with their creative side,” she said.

“It helps in the practice of medicine, it helps you better understand life and yourself, and gives insight into your work with the patient.”

ANOTHER network member, Dr Annie Schlebaum, told Australian Doctor between films that the various art-forms she practices —painting, sculpture, photography and drawing —were a great release from the pressures of her work.

“I’ve been drawing since I was a child,” she said. “It allows me to integrate my inner life and appreciate the beauty and playfulness of life, escaping what can be a very stressful job.

“If I’m a fully rounded person,I’m more human, and better to be around. If there’s more diversity in my life then I have more in common with my patients. I can think and function in a more holistic way.”

Dr Schlebaum also uses art in her professional practice as a psychiatrist: “I had a child who was mute and terrified. I allowed her to use paint to express herself. She used colours to express various emotions. Finally she felt comfortable enough to talk to me.”

Another film-night guest, Sydney psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Desovska, “dabbles in photography” and said pursuing creativity made her more aware of the “new and exciting things happening in the world”.

“It’s an exciting challenge, and having a creative way of thinking is very important professionally.

“Everyone has a unique story to tell and I want to ensure I can see their way too.”

STRIKING A WORK/LIFE CHORD

SYDNEY GP Cathy Fraser is no stranger to creative expression, having founded Musicus Medicus, the NSW Doctors Orchestra, five years ago.

“Playing an instrument is a great way to release,” she says. “After a draining day’s work, playing my flute does clear and refocus my mind better than any other activity.”

It’s important for doctors to look after their health and spiritual life, she argues. “We’re always talking to patients about that but not to ourselves. I’m always amazed how busy people will find time for things that they are passionate about, and I think making creativity a normal part of our life is crucial.”

While she could not imagine her life without medicine, she says, neither could she envisage it without music, and her other interests, photography, art and literature.

Dr Fraser has travelled widely playing for Musicus Medicus, and has taken part in concerts raising thousands of dollars for medical-related charities.

Dr Fraser says it is “wonderful and exciting” that a Creative Doctors Network had been formed, and praises the AMA’s support.

“The AMA has done lots to provide sporting outlets for doctors. I think it’s great they’re now turning their attention to creative arts. It’s really important to have that healthy balance and time to focus on having a healthy mind, letting go of all that other stuff,” she says.

“It’s important we offer this side of things to medical students as well, to make sure the profession is made attractive to them and they are aware of the need for balance.

“History is full of doctors who were also musicians,” she notes. “Everyone I have met through the network actually has more than one creative interest. It will help us be better people and better doctors, having that all-round balance.

“It keeps us motivated, widens our perspectives and makes life more interesting. As doctors we draw on both theory and practice, and both science and art are products of creativity.”