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DR JOSEPH B e a i n i
This is a day in the life of Dr Joseph Beaini , who is a doctor in the Intensive Care Unit at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
Dr Beaini has worked at the hospital for the past 12 years as part of a team of dedicated specialists, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff.
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hy did you initially become a doctor? I actually began my medical studies in the field of biomedical science, which involved a lot of laboratory work. At the time, my brother was studying medicine and when comparing the two career paths, I decided that his looked much more interesting. I also love people and realised that I would have much more interaction beyond the walls of a lab. I transferred to a medical degree and studied for a further five years to become a doctor. While studying at Sydney University, I was also working as a wardsman at Westmead Hospital, which gave me an insight into all aspects of patient care. In this role, I interacted daily with doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, which gave me an appreciation of the importance of teamwork and communication. After graduating, I undertook my internship and residency at Prince of Wales Hospital, which involved a lot of Emergency Department work. I also worked for 12 years in general practice in Sydney, before relocating to Coffs Harbour in 2002 and working in the Emergency Department. How did you find your way into the field of intensive care medicine? After three years of working in the Emergency Department, I began taking on some shifts in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and found that I really enjoyed working with the ICU team and caring for critically ill patients. Did you have to undertake extra training to be able to work in this field? The experience I had already gained over many years of being a doctor in various settings allowed me to join the ICU team at Coffs Harbour. I work in the ICU with a number of Intensive Care Specialists who have undertaken additional training specific to the critical care setting. As a team, we are constantly improving our skills and continuing to learn, particularly as advances are made in 14 coffs coast focus.
medicine. What are some of the key attributes you need to have work in this area? It is important to have the ability to develop a good rapport with patients and their families. These people come to us at what is often a very stressful and uncertain time and it is our role to provide them with as much information I love the energy and reassurance as of a workplace possible to ensure they and such as the ICU understand all aspects by d te or being supp n rely of their treatment and ca I m ho w people patients who have ow kn hospital care. on and whom I been brought to the in highYou must also be a can rely on me unit and any changes ns .” team player. The team is pressure situatio in the condition of not just other doctors - it existing patients. It is is a whole range of medical a very important part of professionals, such as nurses, the day, as it is vital that we pharmacy, physiotherapists, maintain continuity of care for social workers, as well as pathology and our patients. The handover is a team radiology staff. We are also very fortunate meeting where doctors, nurses and allied to be supported by experienced and health professionals all discuss patient care. capable administrative staff. After handover, the medical staff does a formal Is it a position where experience plays ward round, where we visit each patient and a large part in being able to make quick bedside nurse to discuss the treatment plan for decisions under pressure? the day. Other duties depend on the individual The level of training that we undertake to need of patients, but examples can include the become a doctor helps to lay the foundation insertion of a special vascular line to administer for the type of work situation we will vital medication to patients or monitoring of encounter in the future. It is also important blood pressure, as well as other intensive care to see all experiences in the hospital setting procedures. Throughout the day we update as learning opportunities. At Coffs Harbour family members and carers on the condition Health Campus, we have an excellent team of of their loved ones. We can also expect at ICU specialists and senior staff who are able any time to receive new patients into the unit to share their experiences with junior medical who require intensive care. The ICU functions staff to ensure they are supported in their very efficiently because of the teamwork and learning and receive a high level of education respect that exists between all those on duty at and training. the time. ICU doctors are also called to other Can you give a brief outline of what can parts of the hospital at a moment’s notice to be involved in a shift? attend to situations requiring an advanced A day shift usually begins with a handover, level of care. which is where we discuss the events of the You must gain a great deal of satisfaction evening. That can involve details of new
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when you see patients recover? When you watch someone, who at one time was critically ill with major problems and on a life support machine, able to walk out the door, I have to say that is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job. It can be a very long journey for the patient and their loved ones and those involved in their treatment, but there is an enormous amount of satisfaction in seeing our patients recover and continue to lead fulfilling lives. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy all aspects of critical care medicine, including looking after those who are in most need of intensive management. I love the energy of a workplace such as the ICU and being supported by people whom I can rely on and whom I know can rely on me in high-pressure situations. I particularly enjoy working alongside the medical and nursing staff, who are extremely well trained in critical care medicine. Any advice for someone who is thinking about pursuing this line of work as a career choice? For graduates who are thinking about intensive care medicine, I would say spend some time in the ICU, work alongside specialists and see if it is for you. For me, it has been a very fulfilling career. Thank you Dr Beaini.