Hi there everyone!
My name is Lauren O’Brien. It is wonderful to be doing this course and I know that my learning curve will be exponential! I really hope I get to know some of you over the 9 months, albeit online.
A bit about myself. I am married to Matt Young, a Retinal Ophthalmologist, and we have 3 beautiful children, the youngest of whom went to UCT this year so we are negotiating an empty nest (sad emoji). We live in Durban North.
In terms of work, I have been a Community GP for 25 years. Of course I helped many patients and their families through difficult diagnosis, and terminal care, However I did not know the Palliative skills and knowledge which I learnt in the Intro Course, I had often walked a jouney with them through their lives which helped in the final stages. In July 2024 I left my Practice for a multitude of reasons – firstly because I wanted to help my daughter through a very busy Matric Year, and secondly I wanted to explore an interest of mine, being Palliative Care. I also have an interest in Mental Health, but I think Palliative Care will incorporate this. I did the Introduction to Palliative Care Course through UCT (mainly focused on Adults). I believe I was led to do this PATCH Course.
Thank you,
Lauren
