A bit about Brian, professionally speaking...
Brian completed all of his medical and specialty training in Emergency Medicine in the United States. He first came out to Australia in 2001 and for good reason fell in love with the place.
Brian now very much calls Hobart home and works full time at the Royal Hobart Hospital and we are pleased to have him on our shores.
Brian wears many “hats” including Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine and clinical lead for ultrasound at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Getting involved with EMUGs...
After meeting Dr Brian O’Connell several years ago on a bridge in Fiji drinking rum and coke (not a joke) Brian O'Connell (EMUGs founding father) told Brian about a new and exciting “EMUG’s” group that had recently been established. They obviously shared a common enthusiasm… in POCUS and not just rum and coke.
What drives the POCUS passion...
As a medical student in 1994, Brian first saw POCUS used by the eminent Dr Joe Ornato during a resuscitation. It seemed he had a skill that no other clinicians had and the patient would have likely died without it. (To be fair, he was triple board certified in EM, medicine and cardiology). Patient care is the ultimate answer… but... let’s face it... POCUS is fun!
Favourite travel destination...
Just about anywhere Latin America. Great people, great culture and an opportunity to keep maintain Spanish language skills. With kids in the mix, Brian's travels, however, seem to be a lot more local now. Fortunately, Tasmania is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Brian's vision for EMUGs...
Brian is new to EMUGs and currently establishing the EMUGs community in Tasmania and is happy to see where this goes. Brian is mostly interested in networking, learning from colleagues and gaining further enthusiasm.
Progress Brian has seen with regard to POCUS and related goals for the future...
In Tasmania, it seems most of the progress in POCUS has come from junior doctors seeing the amazing benefits ultrasound brings to patient care and becoming advocates. It is interesting how it is the younger generation pushing the older ones towards embracing this modality. Brian is seeking to formalise ultrasound education in the state. Hopefully EMUGs can be instrumental in helping to attain this goal.
A message for those new to POCUS or EMUGs...
Learning POCUS is like learning a musical instrument. Nobody is good from the start. It takes many years of repetition to become an expert. So keep up the practice and bring some sweet music to our patients ears.