REMOVING DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE

DrRanjana Srivastava, OAM Forservice to medicine, particularly in the field ofdoctorpatient communication

As an oncologist and amedical writer,RanjanaSrivastava claims it was her experiences asapatient that influenced how her career ultimately shaped om.Her doctor's demeanour as he delivered badnews - his "unflinching truth"and histears - sparkeda lasting professional passion for doctor-patient communication.

Today theMelbourne-baseddoctor has wonacclaimnot onlyforher workin the field, butalso for her turni.nthe mediaas ptint columnist,radio presenter,television host andexpectcommentator,andof course asauthorof fourwell-received books.

Her OAMhonour this year topsan ever-growinglist of awards that includes academichonours,prizes inliterature, 'women of influence' mentions and distinguished unialumni awards.

"I'm very humbled, anda little thrilled," she cells TndianLink.

It is clear from Dr Srivastava's work that beinga good doctor,is allabout the patient."I want to demystifymedicine to the general public.Thar's what good medicine is about - havingahand in one's own health."

The "asymmetry inmedicine between doctor andpatient"is asource of concern forDr Srivastava.

"Taking the patient's perspective increases their own understanding of the situation.There is better compliance,and better participation in their own health care. It also aids them in leading a goodlife,and also havinga good death.It'simportant to define their role in the process, because ultimatelyheald1 is a shared responsibility."

Her commitment to dealing direcdy wid1 disparities in healthcarehasalso motivated Dr Srivastavato takeup a variety of other roles,such as helping mosethat need immediate help. Shehas volumeered at natural disaster zones,and works withthe Asylum SeekersCentre.

Mentoring younger doctors isanomer aspectalongthe same lines.

"l\,figrant doctors especiallyhave atough time," she observes."Those of us who knowtheropes mustsupportthem in whatever waypossible.\Xie allhelp create a good doctor, and all of society benefits. I'm drawn to the experiences of migrant doctors because I identify withtbem."

Dr Srivastavahas spoken often about the role good mentors haveplayedinher own life asastudentand as amedical practitioner.

As well, she is notaverse to speakingup about racism - and sexism -in the medical fraternity

"AIJof this ties in with my passion for medical ethics,really," she concludes."That is why thereis something very special about beinga migrant and being recognised (on AustraliaDay), in terms of what we can give back to this country."

Her writing,with straightforward but captivatingtides(D)'i11gforaChat:The Co1111111111ict1tionBreakdownBet1veet1DoctoJJ andPt1tie11ts-,TellJvietheTmtb:Conversations withti{)'PatientsAho11tLifeandDeath;So It'sCm1ce1;NowlV"hat?andAfterCa11cer:A

GuidetoU11i11gWei� may have given her a fan followingoutside d1e hospital scenario andin writers' festivals across d1e nation, but it is medicine chat is her first love.

"l'vfedicine is the fulfilling career;all else is icing on d1e cake," she reveals. '1 always dreamt of becominga doctor, even though l've been writing since l was five or six."

Dr Srivastava wasbornin Canberrabut grew upin India,UKandtheUSas she travelled withher academicparents.Ar l7, she returned toAustralia to study medicine atMonash University.

"I'm grateful to my parents who took me rotmdthe world,caught me resilience and to cope with change by role modelling itforme," she recounts."They also taught me to keep in touch with my roots.My work has increasingly begun to rake me backtoIndia. I was there only recendy: as a visiting scholar at theUniversity of Chicago, I was speakingat theirDelhi centreabout medical ethics I thinkit is important to pay tribute to,vhere you come from and to your heritage. For instance,I'm married to an Ausrralian bur my kids speak Hindi.Best of both worlds, I'd say."

What advice would she have for young doctors scarring out?

"Firsdy,always remember that it is an incredible privilegeco do medicine. For every person d1at gets in, thereare 100-150 aspirants who have missed out. Second,don't underestimate thepower of compassion andintegrity.It's whatpatients most remember most about their doctor. For a good doctor,humility,compassion andintegrity never go our of fashion."

Rajni Anand Luthra