FIVE MINUTES WITH

The most difficult part of the job? I wish I could work from home just once! But delivering bad news is tough.

However.. We are vigorously trained on how to break bad news. Believe it or not there were relentless actors to drill us and test our skills until we got it right.

A quick tip on when you should see a doctor: whenever things are off their “baseline”. For instance, if you used to go to the bathroom every other day, but now are going once or twice a day!

Between closing the toilet lid, bleach, masks, temperature checks and hand washing…I would pick hand washing during any virus outbreak.

It’s a simple, inexpensive and effective method to reduce infection transmission. Remember to wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol sanitiser.

Our line of duty isn’t really clock in and clock out. Patients are on our minds because we genuinely care.

How do I unwind? I used to be a figure skater for Disney on Ice and we travelled a lot. I caught the travel bug (this is one bug even a doctor can’t cure!)

Five minutes with Dr Joyce Lai

Nicole Slater meets the General Practitioner

My favourite part of the day is seeing my patients. A family doctor becomes a member of the family, supporting and providing advice and care continuously.

Being a family doctor is a little bit like being a detective, a confidant, a teacher, and a lifestyle coach - all combined into one.

From pimples to broken toes, I don’t discriminate any body part. Not only is it about curing the condition but also curing the concerns of patients, which is equally important.

The most important aspect of choosing a doctor is how well you connect. At the end of the day a pap smear or banged up knee is managed the same across all physicians.

How can people improve their immune system and overall health?

• Sweat. Try to fit two and a half hours of aerobic exercise a week. • Eat well balanced meals with good quality protein and plenty of fibre and limit your fats and sugars. Vitamins and minerals should also be optimised. • Sleep more to let your body restore. • Get a healthy dose of Vitamin C from citrus fruits and Vitamin D from the sun. • Have a health check at least once a year to ensure there is nothing lurking. • Optimise your underlying health condition by speaking with your doctor. • Get your immunisations. • Find an outlet to destress.