Registrar thinking... Christina Neil

Christina Neil (she/her) is a first-year GP registrar at Papanui Medical Centre, Christchurch.

I chose to go into general practice because I could never see myself in any particular role during my time in the hospital. I liked aspects from each specialty so thought a more generalist role would be best for me. Also, the hours are better, there’s more work– life balance, more flexibility to go into other areas like teaching, research or minor surgery. And – I couldn’t see myself ward rounding every day for the rest of my life!

I loved medical school, I met my best friends for life! I feel it didn’t teach or show what it was like to actually work as a doctor though. We learned good theory but the actual realisation of the job, especially as a junior doctor wasn’t really shown.

At day three of being a registrar I am loving more responsibility and having the ability of interacting with patients myself, instead of just being a paperwork junkie that was being a house surgeon!

Currently, I’m feeling a bit like a fish out of water as it’s only day three. It’s a big step up in responsibility and even though this is the best thing, I also think it’s the hardest part of being a registrar so far.

I like to relax by watching Love Island! Spending time with family and friends, and running and exercising are also important to me. I also have a thing where I only wear my watch at work. Taking off my watch at the end of every day – and not wearing it during the weekend – helps me to relax.

My cat meowing by the bed keeps me awake at night! I actually am a phenomenal sleeper so have never really been kept up with thoughts or worries from work. On the flip side, I need – no joke – 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night so working long days in the hospital absolutely killed me. There’s another reason to move into general practice!

In my career in general practice, I am most excited about getting some joy and passion back into medicine and working. I was severely burned out at the end of my hospital career and as I dreaded the day ahead, I really had no empathy. I am looking forward to getting a spark back.

Do I look up to anyone in general practice? A short answer – no.

From my experience, I think a good GP is caring, listens and does the best for their patients and works with their patient. Just being a good person, and a good communicator.

I guess one thing that needs to change in general practice is how the profession is screaming out for more GPs, more nurses, more funding, just more resources. I haven’t worked long enough in the field to know more of the ins and outs.

I think a variation of life experiences are essential to general practice. I have lived and worked in many areas, cities, rural and non-rural; I have had experiences with elderly people, children, newborns; I have been a carer for children with disabilities; and I have travelled. I think this all adds to broadening the mind and helps you relate to others.

Ka nui te mihi ki a koe, Christina.

If you're a registrar and want to get your voice heard, get in touch with us at mhall@nzdoctor.co.nz