Did you know?
Merri-bek Family Doctors is a teaching practice with the University of Melbourne, which means we are helping form the next generation of doctors and hopefully showing them what a rewarding career general practice can be. This means that, at times, when you attend the doctor, the staff will ask you prior to your appointment whether you consent to have a student present in the consultation. If you consent, the student may participate in the conversation and assist the doctor to examine you. Students are bound by the same standards of professionalism and confidentiality as your doctor, but of course, you are free to say no to having a student present.
Our students are generally in their first year of medicine, so they are particularly excited to experience the ‘real world’ of medical practice. Kalai is our current medical student, and she is with us on some Thursdays.
Thyroid Awareness Month
This month is Thyroid Awareness Month. Many people have heard of the thyroid gland but are unsure of how it affects their health. You can think of the thyroid as the controller of how fast or slow your body works. If it is underactive, you may become tired, gain weight and feel the cold more than usual. If it is overactive, you could feel almost the opposite: wired and anxious, losing weight without trying, and feeling the heat more than usual. If you have diagnosed thyroid disease, you should be having regular (minimum yearly) checks. Discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your doctor.
Art at Merri-bek
Most of the artwork in the clinic is by local artists, including some new colourful additions by Dr Petrina’s children. She has been keeping them from their primary school years when they produced lots of wet watercolour creations. They have finally found a place where they can be appreciated for their simple, joyful colour.
Heart Food
Enjoy with us this beautiful poem by Shatideva from the 8th century AD
Blessing
May you be a guard for those who need protection
A guide for those on the path
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May you be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick;
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles;
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May you bring sustenance and awakening
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.
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