Dr Eliza Cole: A champion for Therapeutic Guidelines and general practice
While the hustle and bustle of hospitals often steal the spotlight, the life and career of a General Practitioner (GP) like Dr Eliza Cole highlights the unparalleled flexibility of general practice.
Growing up in Perth, Western Australia, Eliza’s journey from a local medical student at the University of Western Australia to a multifaceted GP showcases not only her dedication to the field but also the invaluable role of GPs in the broader healthcare system.
In particular, Eliza’s involvement with Therapeutic Guidelines (TG) highlights her commitment to advancing the quality of care in general practice.
She was initially invited to join an expert panel following the release of updated Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) guidelines due to her remote medicine experiences.
Since then, she has contributed to the Antibiotic guidelines, providing a GP’s perspective.
“Being involved in the development of TG is a privilege,” Eliza states.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to share my perspective with the group and have it reflected in the guidelines.
“I have learnt so much from all the specialists I’ve worked with on the panels, and it’s so nice to be back in a multidisciplinary environment which you can miss when working in community general practice.
“Therapeutic Guidelines has always been a really important resource for GPs.
“It is hard to keep up with every new guideline in general practice and TG keeps GPs updated on the latest recommendations from the specialists in each discipline.
“I use TG daily in my clinical practice, and I appreciate the effort that is put into making the guidelines relevant and up to date.”
Eliza’s path to medicine wasn’t marked by a single, defining moment but rather a series of fortuitous events and inspirational mentors.
“I nearly didn’t get into medical school,” she recalls. “I received a late offer just a day before university enrolments. From that moment, I knew I had to make the most of the opportunity.”
Her medical journey has taken her across Western Australia, from the vibrant rural clinics of Kalgoorlie and Broome to the remote outreach clinics in Kununurra and the Great Southern region.
These experiences, particularly working with Aboriginal Medical Services, left a lasting impression.
“I was inspired by GPs like Dr Jane Janes and Dr Mary Fortune, who worked tirelessly for their communities,” Eliza said. “Their dedication ignited my passion for rural and remote medicine.”
Eliza’s career in general practice is a testament to its flexibility and variety. Currently, she balances three distinct roles:
- a GP in a private metropolitan practice
- a Deputy Chief Medical Officer in corporate/occupational medicine, and
- a fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) GP running a chronic health and Aboriginal health clinic in a remote area of WA.
“I love the variety of general practice,” she explains. “The flexibility of being a contractor allows me to adapt and shift my career as opportunities present.”
This flexibility has enabled Eliza to maintain a balanced work-life schedule while pursuing her passion for sports, particularly springboard diving, where she has won gold for Australia in the FINA World Masters.
“Outside of medicine, my passion is sport,” she said.
“I feel so lucky that my work allows me the flexibility to train, travel, officiate, and compete,” she adds.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Transitioning from a hospital employee to a contractor required new financial skills, particularly in planning for leave and staying updated with current medical practices. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“I always wanted to work with kids, but realised quickly in paediatrics that I also missed the adult side of medicine,” Eliza says.
“I love the idea of looking after whole families throughout their life – looking after them through the ups and downs from birth to death.
“The flexibility of general practice is my favourite aspect as it has allowed me to move into different areas of medicine I would never have considered, meanwhile maintaining a good work life balance.
“The most rewarding aspect is the personal connection and continuity of care that general practice allows.”
One memorable experience during her training in Busselton involved diagnosing several patients with life-limiting illnesses.
“In a smaller town, I became deeply involved in their journey, including the transition to palliative care,” she recalls.
“I was able to become close with their relatives and families and support them all through the process.
“It was a learning experience for me, but also a beautiful reflection on the importance of a good GP.”
As she looks to the future, Eliza envisions herself continuing to make a difference in rural and remote medicine.
“My path in medicine hasn’t been linear, and I’ve always made the most of opportunities as they arise,” she says.
“In 5-10 years, I hope to remain actively involved in rural/remote medicine, impacting my patients’ lives from birth to death.”
Eliza encourages aspiring doctors to consider a path towards general practice, emphasising the variety, flexibility, and deep personal connections it offers.
“General practice is a fantastically flexible career that can adapt to meet your changing life. It is never boring!”, she says.
Through her multifaceted roles and contributions to Therapeutic Guidelines, Eliza exemplifies the profound impact and dynamic nature of being a GP.
