Abstract
It is with a deep and heavy heart that I say goodbye as the writer for this column for over 10 years. It has been an incredible privilege to share my reflections on the joy of general practice here. General practice is a huge challenge and a massive privilege. Ultimately, it is a journey about love, for your patients, your colleagues and most importantly, yourself. Whatever the challenge in life, love and camaraderie will get us through it. So here I share my final thought about education in primary care. Much has changed since I started writing this column, but the inspiration and determination in our profession will always be steadfast. If I was to try and share one piece of advice to anyone at any stage in their career it would be the value of self-love and self-worth. These values are too often under used and under rated. Love yourself and value yourself for who you are and what you have achieved. The 10-minute consultation can be too hard a challenge for the best of communicators. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Cherish yourself. And above all, love yourself.
‘My final reflection is around the value of coffee and lunch breaks and what better way to start that with an anecdote; Does anyone have any objection to us shortening the lunch break by 20 minutes and eliminating the afternoon coffee break so we can all head home earlier’ cried the facilitator, at the leadership training where no-one had the resilience to disagree. Always a joy to get time back. But what is the educational value of that lunch combined with a powerful reflective conversation with colleagues and that coffee break where you clarified your learning need or shared a mighty story? Personally, I hate that question. Not for the loss of extra time but for the loss of educational value in the timeslots that are too often so undervalued and seen as a ‘break’ rather than part of the cherished learning. I have certainly attended educational events where the most valuable time was the lunch or coffee-break where you connected and had a meaningful deep conversation with valued colleagues. These gritty conversations strengthen those vital relationships that keep us alive, grounded and energised. I’m happy to go home early, but rather in place of some didactic PowerPoint slides, please; and who would dare to have the courage to say that? So informed consent is another sticking point here.
As education unfolds with time, we have seen a natural welcome to a focus on wellbeing, networking and so-called ‘soft communication’. Themed walks in pairs on a hot sunny day through a local city park can fill our hearts with warmth, intimacy and love. Grabbing that colleague for a grounded conversation over a strong coffee can be the inspiration you need to continue your journey of self-worth through the challenge of consulting. These connections are something you cannot get from an internet search or personal reading. At times their value is under-rated. As education unfolds in the future, I hope this trend continues. Now more than ever the valued precious time we hold with our dearest colleagues must be protected and cherished like never before. I wish you all the most fulfilling journey of self-love throughout your amazing careers.
