08 • Careers


Are you a GP passionate about women’s health? A special interest in gynaecology might be the career for you. Dr Roopinder Brar offers a personal perspective


WOMAN WELL


ADVOCATE D


R Roopinder Brar is a portfolio GP with a special interest in gynaecology. She qualified in 2010 from The University of Newcastle with a merit and gained her DRCOG (Diploma of the Royal College of


Obstetrics and Gynaecology) while completing her training in general practice. She also has a Masters in Medical Law and Ethics from the University of Manchester and works as a telephone adviser for MDDUS.


What attracted you to gynaecology? I have always enjoyed gynaecology and was lucky enough to have very good teachers at medical school who made the subject interesting and easy to understand.


What do you enjoy most about your role? Seeing women who often feel unable to speak to anyone else about their problems and being able to offer them solutions. It may be changing a method of contraception, treating a sexually transmitted infection, discussing their fertility or talking through HRT options. Exploring their feelings, discussing their options and hopefully being able to manage their symptoms does make the consultation very rewarding.


expectations. Some patients are looking for a quick fix to their problem and these expectations can be difficult to manage. For example, when changing a method of contraception I always discuss the bleeding pattern with my patients. Some patients call and return multiple times to discuss this very issue, expecting bleeding to have settled overnight. I do find that giving time to ask questions and explaining things clearly does help ease their mind.


What about the role has most surprised you? It has to be the sheer demand for gynaecology advice and examinations. I find my appointments are booked up weeks in advance for both advice and assessments. Our patients have been very grateful that we have started a new weekly clinic just for seeing and speaking to patients about these issues and symptoms.


Are there any downsides? Trying to do all of this in a 10 minute appointment! It simply isn’t enough time and I am constantly apologising to patients for running late. Thankfully, they are very understanding.


What do you find most challenging? It can be difficult trying to manage


What is your most memorable experience so far? I saw a lovely patient who did not speak English as her first language. She attended several times and it was clear that she was unable to explain that she needed contraception and something for her menorrhagia. She had four children and was keen to avoid another


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