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Ranjana Srivastava

Ranjana Srivastava

The Guardian

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Doctors need to stop pretending to have all the answers. ‘I don’t know’ does not mean ‘I have nothing to offer’

Doctors need to stop pretending to have all the answers. ‘I don’t know’ does not mean ‘I have nothing to offer’

I have always thought, and still tell prospective medical students, that the most attractive part of being a doctor is there is something in it for...

previous day 8

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

I was asked if there was an ‘everything’ test for cancer. Despite bold claims, no such thing exists

At an academic function, a guest asks what I do and I say, “public hospital doctor”, which seems more benign than “oncologist”. When he asks...

24.03.2026 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My ‘difficult’ patient made my heart sink. But what happens when doctors are part of the problem?

I once cared for a patient for 10 years, which is a pleasingly long time in oncology. Alas, the years didn’t bond us. I found her, in turns,...

10.03.2026 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My daughter turns 18 today. I’m giving her the gift of shared caring responsibilities with her brothers

‘Why do you always grip the dashboard like that when I am driving?’ It’s the bleary-eyed 5am run to rowing practice and I have just relented to...

22.02.2026 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My patient’s near-death experience in hospital left me with worry and guilt. This is how vicarious trauma starts

10.02.2026 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

There was only one thing my friend regretted about her mother’s death. It’s something we all could learn from

27.01.2026 8

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My new year resolution comes late but it can’t be more important

13.01.2026 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Our dog’s affections remain a sweet mystery even as Odie turns five today

26.12.2025 40

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Why does big pharma pay doctors? It raises an important question about healthcare ethics

16.12.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

It’s entirely reasonable to be in awe of surgeons – but patients need someone they can talk to

02.12.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Doing your own research isn’t a bad thing, I tell my patients. But just how will they spot the fraudulent papers?

18.11.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

On the eve of my children’s exams, my friend sent me the most practical advice for modern parents

04.11.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

As a doctor, guiding my mum through hospital showed me true patient-centred care takes more than paperwork

21.10.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

I was feeling a little smug at how much I had helped a cancer patient. Then came a devastating text

07.10.2025 7

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Why do the children of elderly patients stay away? Loneliness makes them get sicker and stay sicker for longer

24.09.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

I need a nurse for my elderly patients – but isn’t my time better spent treating cancer than writing a business case?

09.09.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

We doctors will help our own – but not at the expense of other patients

26.08.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

When Odie the cavoodle needed emergency surgery, the veterinary staff showed why they are the unsung heroes of healthcare

14.08.2025 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Writing is all about discipline, love, luck and endurance – and I sure know about endurance

28.07.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

New research shows a blindingly simple new procedure can help save children’s lives in emergency departments

15.07.2025 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

When the time comes to die, what end-of-life care would doctors choose for themselves?

01.07.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Sweaty and flustered, my breast cancer patient was experiencing hot flushes. The lack of good treatment is frustrating

17.06.2025 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My mentor and friend died suddenly while I was at work. The memory of his kindness kept me going

03.06.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

The cost of getting care and getting there: why is hospital parking so expensive in Australia?

20.05.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Pete Songi on Donald Trump’s proposed foreign films tariffs – cartoon

06.05.2025 30

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

My patient’s cancer was curable but for years she endured painful sex as a result. This story is all too familiar

06.05.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

The unwritten code of healthcare is that doctors don’t strike. Until now

22.04.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

As the US slashes health funding and measles re-emerges, Australia must urgently invest in our public health system

08.04.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Despite my best efforts, my patient suffers. When we feel thwarted by nature all we can do is cling to hope

25.03.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

As doctors, we review morbidity and mortality regularly – but we need a better way of respecting the patient voice

11.03.2025 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Cold calling patients with bad news can be excruciating. At those times, instinct is all I can rely on

25.02.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

Clinical cancer trials are vital for scientific progress – but there are many unanswered questions for patients

11.02.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

When it comes to the vulnerabilities of age, patients deserve sympathetic oversight, not turning a blind eye

29.01.2025 10

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava

The links between alcohol and cancer are clear, but most Australians are unaware of the risks

14.01.2025 20

The Guardian

Ranjana Srivastava