Registrar thinking...David Neynens

Nothing, however, could really compare to becoming a father. The amount that I’ve learned in the last couple of weeks already makes me a better GP

David Neynens (he/him) is a first-year GP registrar. He has recently returned from pa­ternity leave and is now back at Bulls Medical Centre.

I chose to go into general practice because I have an interest in aviation medicine, and general practice forms a foundation for that. Also, it is such a versatile qualification, it will set me up well if my plans change later in life.

Medical school is a long grind and I’m glad it’s over! By the time I got to the end of my fourth year, my enthusiasm was starting to fade. Being a small-town boy at heart, doing the Rural Medicine Immersion Programme – where I spent my fifth year working alongside GPs in Balclutha – reinvigorated me and remains the most valuable and memorable part of med school.

The best thing about being a registrar is working in a supportive environment where there are senior doctors able to help you.

The worst or most difficult part about being a registrar is doing GPEP 1 in two different regions – this makes things more difficult. Each region has its own specific referral pathways and criteria. Just as I was getting used to one system I changed region, and it was back to the drawing board!

I like to relax at home. I need a couple of days at home here and there to recharge the batteries, but when I get more time off, I love to go to the deep South, where I grew up.

At the moment it is the two-week-old baby at home, which keeps me awake at night!

So far, I enjoy minor procedures and in my career in general practice, I am excited to learn more techniques and procedures over time.

There are plenty of people within general practice who I look up to. I think each GP has something to teach you, be it their work ethic, clinical knowledge, their connection with their patients or how they balance work life and home life.

I think I’m still trying to figure out what a good GP is! Something I have really noticed this year is how valuable it is to spend a long time in the same practice, getting to know the patients and the community. I think having awareness and under­standing of the patient within their community is a big part of what makes a good GP.

The access to services is one thing that needs to change in general practice. The Government used the term “postcode lottery” a lot in their unveiling of the new Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. Only time will tell if they address this, but further standardisation in healthcare between regions would make it easier to find your feet after moving.

In terms of bringing my life experience to general practice, I love to travel. Travelling abroad with my partner in 2018 was amazing. Moreover, it is a great way to build relationships with patients, who may be going to a place I have been or have been to place that I want to go to.

Nothing, however, could really compare to becoming a father. The amount that I’ve learned in the last couple of weeks already makes me a better GP, and I’m sure will continue in the years to come.

Ka nui te mihi ki a koe, David.

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