Just as the animals on Macquarie Island follow their life cycles, so too do expeditioners. The weaners at the end of December must leave the comforts of the island and brave the sea, and as expeditioners we do the same (though slightly more comfortably via a ship rather than a long swim home). For me as the station doctor that means a flurry of final winter medicals, hearing tests, checking vitamin D levels and offering COVID and influenza boosters in readiness for our isolation ended, as well as all those final checks on the medical equipment and kits so that it’s in pristine condition for the incoming doctor.
It’s been a busy year in my solo doctor practice in the Southern Ocean. Drop in appointments are readily available, though it sometimes takes a bit more to find me compared to a regular practice at home. When not working in the medical facility I’ve been in the Greenstore organising and mapping Maximo inventory, sorting pandemic response medical supplies into E-boxes and cage pallets for easy access should they be needed, testing our potable water around station, stocktaking working place first aid kits, AEDs and oxygen therapy kits, and working with the FTO to deliver training for medical response in the field. With breaks in the wild weather I’ve sojourned to the field huts to check and update the remote field first aid kits and also enjoy the spectacular beauty of Macquarie Island. There’s something truly special about a place you can love even when you’re being blasted with sleet and 40 knots of wind. This season has also had a major research project conducted this year looking at developing effective ultrasound protocols for novice ultrasound scanners to capture images while in remote locations. And of course probably my most important job on station for expeditioners – supporting the summer and winter swims!
But one of my favourite parts of the job is working with the Lay Surgical Assistants (LSAs). As a solo remote doctor I am the only clinically trained person on the island, supported 24/7 via telehealth by the Polar Medicine Unit doctors based in Kingston. To assist me physically in providing medical care, four expeditioners volunteer each year to train as LSAs. They undergo two weeks training at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and then we continue this training regularly on island. The team assist me under my direct supervision and guidance to ensure we can deliver comprehensive care. They learn to assist in surgical procedures, monitoring patients under anaesthesia, providing nursing care for an unwell person admitted to the medical facility, assist in the vaccination clinics, assist in dental procedures, and to assist in emergency medical care of an injured or unwell person. I’d like to thank Walshy, Cam, Matt F and Damo for their brilliant work and dedication this season. Being an LSA is a significant time commitment in addition to their primary roles on station, and one that involves regular training and additional work. You’ve all be fantastic to work with and done magnificently. Thank you for a wonderful season!
Kate Kloza
Station Doctor
