November issue out now

FROM FIONA CASSIE 

Fiona plots movements in general practice ownership, including a new trend of some practices returning to “in-house” ownership. An interactive map provides details of practices owned by Tamaki Health, Green Cross Health, Tend Health, OmniHealth, South Link Health, PHOs and rural, community, iwi, Māori and Pacific trusts, and more. 

FROM MARTIN JOHNSTON 

It seemed like a promising idea – provide incentives to get GP registrars to high-needs practices. But someone forgot to tell the RNZCGP. Martin takes a closer look at the paperwork.  

FROM STEPHEN FORBES 

Burst Health burst onto the New Zealand digital health market, breaking the rules on advertising controlled and prescription medications and incurring a Medsafe investigation. And then it left. Stephen reports.  

FROM FRANCIS KATOA 

“The time of being passive observers has ended; now is the time to come together to think of solutions.” South Auckland specialist GP Francis Katoa reflects on the work of Pasifika doctors and the heartbreak that drives a desire to make a difference in his community.  

FROM BARBARA FOUNTAIN 

I catch up with artist Fraser “Fraz” Williamson, the longest-serving contributor to New Zealand Doctor. Fraz’s quirky illustrations often managed to include surfboards and a shadowy character in the background.  

FROM GABRIELLE BAKER 

Gabrielle takes us through a brief history of Whānau Ora and how successive governments have viewed the concept, with changes coming to commissioning agencies in 2025.  

FROM RICHARD MEDLICOTT 

Richard looks at the state of play with robotics in healthcare and beyond and whether they have performed as expected.  

FROM TIM TENBENSEL 

It's often been said the country needs a dedicated tax to fund health. But as Tim points out, that comes with strings attached.  

FROM LUCY O'HAGAN 

When Lucy dragged her best friend out of a toxic relationship, it wasn’t the hero story people might think. The escape was only the beginning.  

FROM DAVID DOIG 

When he’s not a busy specialist GP in Havelock North, David is hunting out the latest music releases, so you don’t have to. 

Cameron Schauer and Jason Robertson describe the symptoms, aetiology, subtypes and consequences of reflux. This article offers bite-sized chunks of information to give you everything you need to know about this condition.

Auckland’s central suburb, the leafy and affluent Grey Lynn, has working-class roots. Many of Surrey Medical Centre’s patients can no longer afford to live in the area but travel back to receive care from the dedicated team. Zahra Shahtahmasebi reports.

Pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant discusses how to discontinue tramadol after long-term use to minimise rebound pain and discontinuation symptoms. 

All this and more is available to subscribers in the latest issue of New Zealand Doctor.

And remember, you can find us online daily with news and education at nzdoctor.co.nz.