25 Top Tips for UK Doctors
This guide is courtesy of Dr Louise Martin, a previous UK RMOA Member
Drug names!! (lots of different brand names)
Aspirin 100mg not 75mg (loading still 300mg)
QDS = QID
They don’t just have Paracetamol…Panadol, Panamax, Panadol Osteo…
Panadeine Forte = Co-Codamol (two tabs QID)
Co-Amoxiclav = Augmentin Duo Forte (875mg, one tab BD)
Anginine = a GTN tablet (either a whole one, 600mcg or half a tab, 300mcg)
Lots of Cephalosporins used
IV Morphine tends to be given in incremental 2.5mg doses, instead of 10mg straight up. NB – wards can’t give IV Morphine – prescribe SC (same doses)
They really dislike Tramadol here – not often used at all
Patients are completely packaged and all the drug charts/fluid charts etc are done by ED staff
You don’t have to talk/beg/plead with the Radiologist!
CT scans that require contrast (CT Abdo/Pelvis, CT Angiograms, CTPA etc) need a consent form signed by the patient
Blood Transfusions need a written consent form
ABGs are not done routinely for SOB – VBGs used much more here
U&Es = EUCs
Cranky, sook = means unwell
People will struggle to tell you how many pints they drink…ask in schooners instead (about 2/3 of a pint)
“A cork” = a bruise/discomfort/ache
Medicare (essentially everyone has) + most people have private cover too
Contraception isn’t free…
Surgeons are still called Dr – they don’t become Mr/MIss
Be prepared to accept abuse regarding any sporting event – especially The Ashes, but don’t forget to remind them about The Olympics, The Lions, The 1966 World Cup
Shorten everything and add an o…devo (devastated), arvo (afternoon), unco (uncoordinatedI
And everything will be…too easy, no dramas