Dr Eric Aizenstros, a dedicated GP at Ballarto Medical Centre in Carrum Downs, just south of Melbourne, is encouraging other GP registrars/new Fellows to join him as attendees at the next series of ECHO for Pain and Opioid Management (EPOM) sessions in June.
Led by a team of Pain Specialists from Royal Melbourne Hospital and Addiction Medicine Specialists from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, in partnership with GPRA, the EPOM is a weekly 1-hour interactive session which initially began in March and continues in June (for four weeks).
The sessions include case-based learning and a brief didactic session for best practice management chronic pain and high dose opioid medication.
Having recently completed the initial sessions of the EPOM and with a passion for addiction medicine, Eric is encouraging aspiring GP registrars and new Fellows to join him in enhancing their expertise in this critical area.
“I have an interest in pain management and chronic pain and think it’s really important that GPs are well-versed in pain and opioid management,” he said.
“Even in general practice, it’s so prevalent in the community.”
Through his work, Eric has encountered the complexities of pain and opioid management first-hand.
Recognising the need to continually improve his skills in this area, he eagerly participated in the initial sessions.
“I’ve really enjoyed the structured approach to teaching and case discussions,” he said.
“It was good learning, and the content material was relevant and useful for practice.”
To those who have yet to attend but may be interested, Eric extends an encouraging message.
“It’s really interesting and enjoyable,” he said.
“Why not learn a new skill? It can be pretty interesting, and it’s something that’s really needed.”Eric sees himself involved in addiction medicine into the future.
“I definitely want to be involved in community health, but I am looking at a combined dual practice and addiction medicine career,” he said.
With the June sessions on the horizon, Eric’s words resonate as a call to action, urging GP registrars and new Fellows to seize the opportunity to enhance their skills.
For more information on the EPOM sessions, visit the GPRA website.
