Dr Stephen Parnis

Ange Postecoglou. The closest thing I've seen to Ted Lasso in real life.

Two American men currently hold globally important leadership positions, & their differences could not be more stark. Rarely is there such an opportunity to see polar opposites define the qualities that make for leadership with unity & integrity, or division & corruption.

Gaza edges closer to famine as Israel’s total blockade nears its third month | CNN Sitting inside her fly-infested tent in Gaza City, Iman Rajab sifts clumps of flour through a sieve, over and over again.

Food is not a weapon of war.

www.cnn.com/2025/04/30/m...

St Peter's Basilica is very special place, and today's commemoration of the life and example of Pope Francis has brought the world community together in a rare way. We can only hope and pray for the occasional miracle.

I did something special today - I voted in a free, fair election, administered by independent public servants in a system respected by all political parties. May we Australians never take this for granted.

The breadth & depth of the response to the death of Pope Francis says something about the values he championed in his words, & the way in which he lived. Strident in his advocacy for those shunned & vilified, & yet still warm & kind towards those who felt threatened by him. Much like his Master.

#PopeFrancis will be remembered with love and respect.
Well done, good and faithful servant.

#PalmSunday has long been a day when my community focus on #Peace. In all my life, I have never seen so much of the world tearing itself apart, never seen so much contempt for innocents, so much intolerance. Hatred is the most infectious virus I know, & we must stand against it.

Parties spend $1.4m on Meta and Google ads in week one of campaign Third parties including Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots, conservative group Advance and Climate 200 have also funnelled significant amounts into online advertising to start the election campaign.

One of the reassuring aspects of Australian democracy is that our TOTAL national election advertising spending is likely to be less than a SINGLE American election - for a Wisconsin judge (USD90m). Thankfully, we appoint impartial judges on merit.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04...

Actions have consequences.
If I have to buy an American product from now on, it will only be after I have exhausted every alternative. I suspect billions of people all over the world are thinking in similar terms.

Israel strikes that shattered ceasefire ‘just the beginning’, Netanyahu says, after deadliest 24 hours in Gaza since 2023 – as it happened Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli military will continue to fight until Hamas ‘no longer posed a threat’

There are times when I despair at man's inhumanity towards their fellow man.

When did calling for the protection of innocent children, women & the frail become controversial?

The deadliest 24 hours in Gaza since 2023.

www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...

Almost every doctor understands the adage: "Prevention is better than cure".
But the need to call out & condemn the damage wrought by anti-vaccination, climate change-denier, free-market medicine zealots - some of whom exercise political power - has never been more important.

Former Australian of the Year heads into brain surgery after devastating scan World-renowned pathologist and researcher Richard Scolyer is facing an operation to explore fears of a lethal tumour growing back.

Wishing the wonderful Richard Scolyer strength & care as he undergoes surgery today. His very public journey with brain cancer - turning devastation into hope - is a reminder of so many of the best aspects of healthcare. Generosity, humility, brilliance, teamwork.
www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/he...

It's not every day that you see two thugs try to bully & humiliate a leader of integrity & courage. Small wonder that world leaders are lining up to support & praise President Zelenskyy. Can Australia rely on the USA as a firm ally as we have for >80 years? I think not.

All Australians to get bulk-billing boost under Labor’s $8.5b plans for health reform Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make it cheaper to see a doctor by paying GPs more if they bulk-bill all adult patients in a major election pitch to middle Australia.

General Practice is the frontline & foundation of an effective, accessible health system. It has bled for far too long.
This policy from the Fed Govt is clever (to promote access & contain patient costs), & big enough ($8.5b) to improve things.

www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

Pregnant woman choked with own hijab in Melbourne attack speaks out A pregnant woman choked with her own hijab in a Melbourne shopping centre in what detectives believe was an Islamophobic attack says she remains traumatised, as Muslim leaders call for more action fro...

The only way to build confidence in our multicultural community is to demonstrate that all racially-motivated attacks are condemned & pursued by authorities. There can be no room for favouritism of any sort, in words or deeds. Care is blind to ethnicity.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...

We live in an era where science has to contend with conspiracy theories, lies & ignorance. Sadly, public health suffers. The role of #vaccination programs in the huge decline in childhood deaths (along with improved nutrition & housing) is a fact. Let's learn from history. This is from the AIHW.

All my life, I've taken for granted the idea that people with contrary opinions can respect each other & be good friends.
For a range of reasons, there now seems to be far less empathy & respect across political divides than ever before.

My opponent is not my enemy.

Pentagon strips Gen Mark Milley of US security detail and clearance The former US general was critical of Trump in the past, at one point calling him a "fascist".

In revoking security for dedicated public servants like Dr Fauci, Gen. Milley & some of his former cabinet, Trump shows just how vindictive he is. Serving one's country (these 2 did so with honour, expertise & integrity for decades) deserves respect, not persecution.
bbc.com/news/article...

Refugees in Australia are miles behind in health and wellbeing Refugees in Australia are miles behind in health and wellbeing outcomes. Here’s why

Refugees have far worse health than the wider population. Trump's latest idea would create 1.8 million refugees. His abandonment of the two-state solution isn't just illegal & immoral. It would cost more Palestinian life. www.uts.edu.au/news/social-...

Calls for doctors to 'axe the fax' in 'outdated' medical referrals system There's a growing push in Australia's medical circles to do away with antiquated fax machines amid concerns the country's medical referral and documentation system is outdated.

In the era of generative AI, Medicine must be the only profession that is still using fax machines. That said, fast access to accurate health records is slowly improving, & is enabling better clinical decision making at the bedside. No turning back.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...

Whenever & however #australiaday2025 occurs, I would love to see it as an occasion to celebrate our blessings, acknowledge our shortcomings, & seek to build unity. As things stand, it is used to promote division & cherry pick at our history
We should be able to do so much better

The community of nations became much less of a community today. Let's see how much economic, environmental, social and moral vandalism will be perpetrated over the next few years. Ever the optimist, I'm sure the world will learn some powerful lessons through adversity.

That a medical leader of the calibre of Anthony Fauci - whose contributions to immunology, infectious disease control & public health in the USA for over 40 years - should now be at risk of criminal prosecution, speaks to the depravity & sickness infecting American politics.

'I thought I had something neurologically nasty': Doctor's adverse event with vitamin B6 triggers TGA review Dr Mary Buchanan’s adverse reaction is among 100 cases reported to the TGA since 2020.

Be very wary of the risks of "alternative medicines". Billions made selling you pills you don't need, based on limited or non-existent evidence. Here's an example of harm. Spend the $ on fresh food from the market.
www.ausdoc.com.au/news/i-thoug...

Let this long overdue #ceasefire stem the bleeding, & speed the aid that will arrest the malnutrition, disease & barbarism.
Now is also the time to begin laying the foundations for the only way to prevent more bloodshed - a just, two state solution.
Thank you to the peacemakers.

YouTube video by FOX 5 Washington DC Steve Ford, son of Gerald Ford, delivers eulogy for Jimmy Carter

As we await the Trump presidency, it's timely to hear the words of an earlier president about a former rival. Ford's eulogy about #JimmyCarter is gold for those who seek to understand the best in #leadership. Integrity, the capacity to listen, humility, service, & courage.
youtu.be/_spHs4dzKnA?...

Life, Death, and Optimism: Lessons from Dr Stephen Parnis Explore life, death, and optimism with Dr. Stephen Parnis as he shares insights on resilience, gratitude, and finding hope in adversity

January is a time when many seem to be more prone to anxiety & even despair. 2025 also coincides with a host of uncertainties both locally & globally that are on the minds of so many.
For me, it was good time to talk with Victor Perton about optimism.

www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/parnis

Warmongers & extremists seem to be everywhere. #JimmyCarter was a Peacemaker, and the world needs peacemakers now, more than ever.
May he rest in peace.

I'm so excited to see Sam Konstas make his debut for Australia. It's a reminder of all the emotions I feel when my kids & trainees take their next steps up - pride, anxiety, confidence, hope, satisfaction & joy, all at the same time.