Job: O&G RMO at LGH Workload: Variable day-to-day based on how many RMOs are around. The medical workforce unit struggles with rostering and often has too many or too few RMOs around, and don't often cover sick leave. VERY well supported unit though and even on the busiest days we still stayed afloat, and on the least busy days there was plenty of time to grab coffee at any of the awesome nearby cafes. I found out partway through the rotation that I was actually covering the annual leave for multiple RMOs at the same time, which was why I didn't have very many days off. Team: As an RMO you will be often independent on the postnatal ward (but the reg is either physically in labour ward or a phone call away). In theatre and labour ward, you're always with a registrar or consultant - all of whom are absolutely lovely. Very friendly and very involved consultant group who you get to know as well as some of the registrars. Workflow: Rostered to either labour ward (long shift), ward-ward (short shift) or theatre. Daily ward round with both obs AND gynae patients on the surgical wards. Ward jobs as usual including baby checks as paeds don't do them here. Also expected to see preadmission clinic elective patients. Theatre is theatre and is very relaxed as all of the consultants are easy to work with + there's always an OT reg. IT systems: 90% paper-based. Outpatient scripts, discharge summaries, pathology and radiology are digital. There's hints of a transition to EMR with "DMR" but this isn't operational as an all-in-one system at all. Medtasker is used for ward jobs, but often nurses will call your mobile directly through switch which is a bit frustrating. No pagers though!! Accomodation: The hospital will provide a generous budget for AirBnB + car hire. It was excellent. Would absolutely recommend the role to other doctors - but strongly suggest having prior O&G experience. Like most other O&G jobs they'll preference people with experience or those that have a good word put forward for them. Non-clinical: Launceston is a stunning city - great places to eat and the awesome Tasmanian wilderness right on your doorstep. Cradle Mountain is not far for epic hikes, but the local Cataract Gorge is also beautiful. Hollybank Park is 20mins away for an adventure day! Favourite eats was Du Cane for local beers and pizzas. Best coffees are at Cafe Mondello or Parla, Aromas across the road also a good contender with great sweets.
I worked here as a community psychiatrist for two weeks in August 2019. They put me up in the hotel across the road from the hospital which was convenient (but a bit sterile). Apparently they are flexible and I could have found other accommodation they'd have paid for instead. Psych was okay - not a disaster. Main caveat for mainlanders is one has to do a 36 question quiz on the Tasmanian Mental Health Act and score 100% (which was a bit nervewracking). Launceston easy to navigate - food nice. I had a pleasant time overall
Relief and ward jobs generally quite a manageable workload however the admitting and ward cover reg roles are very busy and long. Those shifts do tend to offer more days off after if you can push through. Generally well supported by on-call consultants. IT systems were fine. Accom was beautiful (self-arranged air bnb). Would recommend to any medical registrars looking for more experience and also looking to travel and explore Tasmania or the East Coast.