Scrubs Blog

For some time now, we’ve been talking to our clients about investing in emerging markets. There is no doubt that emerging market investments should form an integral part of a ‘growth’ portfolio.

Emerging markets are changing the way the world works by developing into global powerhouses.

The significant issue of NZ’s doctor shortage is certainly not new, but it has recently achieved a reasonable level of media coverage. In particular, I watched with interest the short Sunday evening documentary that examined NZ’s ongoing recruitment and retention issues.
A couple of things struck me. Firstly, whilst we heard from consultants, senior registrars, a [...]

It goes without saying that many things are connected. We often talk about the six degrees of separation principle and this holds true for many of us in many parts of our lives…
It struck me however, that there are plenty of ‘networks’ at play within a healthcare setting. For example – we all form part [...]

Get penalized for poor care – Accountable Care
Should doctors be paid as per patient outcomes:

$3000 fee = a patient has a complication-free appendicectomy and discharged after 3 days hospital stay.
$2000 penalty = patient has surgical complication requiring readmission for wound infection requiring IV antibiotics.

This is a marked shift from current systems and on the surface [...]

A friend of mine is currently starting along the long path of the medical school application process. She tells me that she has dreamt of becoming a doctor ever since she was in primary school, and that her passion for the profession has only grown over the years. We have had many discussions about life [...]

NZMA position on euthanasia
The NZMA has fielded many media inquiries on the issue of euthanasia this week. Media interest has been in response to the public challenging by former North Shore GP, Dr John Pollock, who has terminal cancer and is advocating for legalised voluntary euthanasia in New Zealand. NZMA Chair Dr Peter Foley has conducted numerous interviews stating the NZMA’s position, which is in line with the World Medical Association and almost all international national medical associations, which opposes euthanasia* and doctor assisted suicide as unethical. The NZMA is not against individuals having a choice said Dr Foley on TV One’s Close Up programme. “What we are against, is then involving the doctor, in assisting the outcome of the choice.” In interviews, including in last night’s Close Up where Dr Foley appeared alongside Dr Pollock, he was able to emphasise to him the availability of effective palliative care to manage pain relief and alleviate suffering in end of life care. To read the NZMA’s position statement on euthanasia go to: http://www.nzma.org.nz/news/policies/euthanasia.html