What do you get when a talented writer and artist with a passion for health literacy decides to become a doctor?
You end up with Sean Colrain, a second year doctor currently working at Cairns Base Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Earlier this year, Dr Sean did a 10-week rotation with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Primary Health Care (PHC) team in Lockhart River on eastern Cape York Peninsula.
During his time there, an idea began to develop about a book focusing on skin health and with the encouragement of the community, the RFDS PHC team and even the local Lockhart River school children who provided artwork, his amazing vision soon came to life.
Doc Croc and the 3 Cockies (Doc Iwayii and the 3 Kilas) is set in Lockhart River and follows the adventures of our medical expert who just happens to be a crocodile, and his dealings with a range of animals and their skin conditions.
Dr Sean said the book is a fun and educational way to engage with everyone from school children to adults about the importance of taking steps to support skin health.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and the positive response made the project incredibly rewarding,” Dr Sean said.
“The book was developed with significant support from the Lockhart River community and clinical staff who provided guidance on language, topic ideas and culturally safe content.
“The book focuses on skin health and raises awareness about the prevention and management of skin sores and rheumatic heart disease.
“It was a particularly meaningul project, bringing together community collaboration, health education and creative story telling.”
Dr Sean has been busy; already producing other books about sun safety, the importance of wearing a helmet when using a bike or e-scooter and a further book on water safety.
He draws on his own experiences treating people and has developed the stories where he feels there’s a genuine need for further education.
“I’ve always loved art, particularly drawing and painting, and have spent many years creating portrait illustrations for friends and family.
“The books really combine my passion for medicine, health literacy and art into one, and I hope they make a positive difference to people’s lives,” Dr Sean said.
