Dr Ramya Raman

MBBS 2012
FRACGP, Dip Child Health, Cert Sexual and Repro Health, BSSc (Psych)
General Practitioner, RACGP WA Chair and Academic

What inspired you to study medicine?

Growing up in rural NSW, health care access was challenging due to distance and the lack of access to non-GP specialist services. This meant that GPs in the area were highly skilled in general practice and procedural skills which was very inspiring. I had the opportunity whilst I was in school to work as a medical receptionist at a rural general practice. I was in awe of this GP who was highly skilled in clinical diagnostics, consulting and procedural skills. This made me think, ‘I would love to become like this doctor’.

Another event that sealed the deal for pursuing medicine was reading the biography of Dr Ida Sophia Scudder. I was in Year 11 when I read this book and it changed my thinking.

Dr Ida Sophia Scudder: founder of Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India. As a young adult, in late 1890s, she witnessed the death of three women during childbirth – due to customs and cultural differences. There was poor acceptance of medical help from male doctors (even though her father was a medical doctor). She realised women were needed for women in medicine. This was her determination to enter medicine – she was one of first women graduates of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York. She then returned to Vellore in India – opened a one bed clinic in 1900s and most importantly she opened a medical school for women in India . Today, Vellore Medical College and Hospital has grown to be world pioneering in service, teaching and research.

As a GP, what are some of the challenges you face?

During the pandemic, understanding and adhering to regulatory and policy changes overnight was a huge challenge. Unfortunately, general practice was not always consulted adequately in this process. As a grassroot GP, this was challenge especially with changing pandemic guidelines, isolation precautions and vaccine rollouts. One of the professional challenges is managing patient expectations post pandemic– aging population, managing chronic conditions and patients who have not had their regular follow up during the lock downs means the consults are longer and more complex. This feeds into the chronic underfunding of general practice which has become more evident in the last 24 months.

How do you see the GP profession evolving in the years to come?

As a generalist, I have the privilege to look after patients of all age groups and most of the time, many members of the same family. The opportunity to have continuity of care and to be able to manage undifferentiated presentations is a skill set that is unique to a GP which is what attracted me to general practice. Nevertheless, the administrative burden on general practice is on the rise and this is linked to the complexity of the consults. This is a reflection of inadequate funding of general practice and recognition that primary and preventative care requires appropriate funding to achieve the best health outcomes for patients and the community. There is an urgent need for recognition of this to help maintain and attract doctors to the profession. About 90% of the population see a GP in a year, which makes general practice a familiar space for most people (including the community, colleagues, state and federal governments). This, unfortunately, has contributed to the overall perception that what GPs do is simple and can easily be replicated by professions other than general practitioners. This is a concerning trend which can ultimately affect patient safety and outcomes.

How do you manage stress at work?

Stress and burnout is on the rise. It is important to take breaks (including not allowing your bladder to over-extend whilst in clinic!). Clinical work can be mentally and physically exhausting. Many patients present with multiple and complex issues which takes time to work through. It is important to review your work schedule determining the number of clinical days you would like to work and possibly considering some non-clinical work to compliment the week. I enjoy teaching and find this to compliment my clinical work as GP. It helps me to manage my work stress especially related to my clinical work. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, travelling, watching TV, binging on Netflix, cycling and dancing. These are all the things I do to ‘switch off’.

What is one of your favourite memories from your student days at Notre Dame?

The Kimberley trip in second year was a memorable trip. It was an exciting trip, an opportunity to not only learn about northern WA and the local community, but also an opportunity to get to know my peers.

What advice do you have for recent medical graduates?

Medicine is a rewarding profession, but can be stressful and all-consuming. It is important to find a balance, find things that help you relax and incorporate this into your daily life. Most importantly, choose the speciality you enjoy and treat everyone with respect.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

James Bond (Pierce Brosnan)! My all-time favourite!

To read further details of what it’s like being a GP working in a pandemic era, Dr Ramya Raman has published an article, ‘ General Practice – the easy specialty?’,  in the 2022 August issues of Medicus  - the AMA (WA) monthly journal.

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