An overdose of the ‘American dream’: Australia’s sledgehammer approach to pain management

Dr Paul Muthiah.
Dr Paul Muthiah.

It was almost a decade ago and I had recently arrived in Australia and was focusing on learning the ropes of a new healthcare system.

While diligently plugging away, the work phone rang. It was my wife – our three-year-old son had fallen from his tricycle and hurt his arm.