Why do respiratory medicine

There is now an increasing burden of obesity related illnesses affecting the respiratory system, so we are now working closer than ever with the anaesthetists, surgeons and endocrinology teams for these patients as well. In short, respiratory medicine is central to the running of both in-patient and out-patient medical services in every hospital in the country.

Respiratory medicine involves contact with people from all backgrounds, ethnicities and social classes, and all ages from young to elderly. It often involves looking after the most ill patients in the hospital and seeing many chronic and incurable conditions both as out-patients and inpatients. After many years it is very satisfying to provide continuity to the care of some patients, even if their medical condition cannot be cured and may be declining.

There is also constant interaction with all other healthcare groups, in the wards, clinics, laboratory and meetings which is constantly enjoyable and stimulating. Many respiratory specialists find that they have the skills to be clinical leaders during their careers and most enjoy teaching. We have to make difficult decisions about end of life care in patients with terminal or chronic disease, and at other times decisions about treatments with potential adverse effects in the out-patient clinics.

We frequently use our ability to work in teams to aid some of the more difficult decisions and to share our experiences of previous treatment outcomes. Many, like me, also get involved in clinical director roles and educational roles. Personally I think that the future in medicine is education. My typical day is from 8am to pm. I do an on call about once every 2 weeks and am expected to stay in hospital until about 8—9pm, remaining on call from home overnight.

I also work about eight weekends per year. There are also several large international respiratory meetings each year which you can attend. Some are able to organise overseas work as part of their training as out-of-programme experience and many consultants later in their careers will lecture and teach overseas. Respiratory medicine is so fundamental to the acute hospital. Yes, always.

Time out of programme for dedicated research OOPR training is generally encouraged and there is a breadth of opportunities ranging from basic science to epidemiological and clinical research.

Most trainees who take time OOPR will register for a higher degree. The work is varied and the intensity remains variable. The biggest appeal was the breadth and diversity of the specialty, the integration with research and the ability to perform practical procedures.

Respiratory medicine will continue to evolve with new treatments and investigation methods make it an exciting specialty to be a part of. Respiratory physician fees are covered by some private health funds, but the amount will depend on your insurance policy. Contact your insurer for more information.

Skip to main content. Respiratory physician. Back Submit. Thank you. Your feedback is much appreciated. Airway diseases: nasal, upper and middle airway problems asthma and other small airway conditions COPD. Interstitial lung disease ILD and systemic diseases affecting the lungs: inflammatory and scarring lung conditions sarcoidosis pulmonary manifestations of systemic diseases and drugs.

Pleural conditions: malignancy pleural effusion pneumothorax. Conditions of the chest wall, thoracic spine and diaphragm. Occupational lung disease: allergic lung and bronchial disorders. Infective and non-infective pulmonary disorders in immunocompromised host. Critical care and ventilatory failure acute and chronic.