Voluntary Assisted Dying: The Doctors Who See Death Differently

What does it really look like to face death with choice, dignity and clarity? In this episode of Don’t Be Caught Dead, I sit down with two doctors who’ve seen death from every angle — and who aren’t afraid to talk about it.I’m joined by Dr Nick Carr, one of the first GPs in Victoria to be involved in voluntary assisted dying, and Dr Kane Treble, a regional GP in Mildura with a background in emergency medicine, palliative care and paramedicine. Together, they pull back the curtain on how voluntary assisted dying works, why it matters, and what the system gets right (and wrong).We dive into the personal stories that changed the way these doctors practise medicine — from patients like Beverley who died before the law was passed, to families who’ve experienced the relief and beauty of a death on their own terms. We talk openly about the barriers in the current laws, the stigma in rural communities, the gag clause that stops doctors from raising the option, and the very real impact this has on dying people and their families.This conversation is raw, eye-opening and full of heart. It’s about the messy truth of death, why choice matters, and how doctors themselves are changed by walking alongside people at the very end.In this episode, we cover:How voluntary assisted dying became law in VictoriaThe story of Beverley Broadbent and why her death sparked changeWhy doctors in Victoria are still gagged from even mentioning voluntary assisted dyingThe challenges rural and regional patients face in accessing end of life choicesThe reality of telehealth restrictions and why they make dying harder than it needs to beWhat it takes to become a VAD-trained doctor — and why more doctors need to step upWhy every voluntary assisted dying death these doctors have witnessed has been called “beautiful”The role of religion, aged care facilities and advanced care directives in end of life planningResources and support for anyone exploring voluntary assisted dying in AustraliaRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineResources mentioned in this episode:Dying With Dignity Victoria: www.dwdv.org.auCare Navigators (Victoria): Phone (03) 8559 5823 (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)Go Gentle Australia“The Power of Choice” photography exhibition by Julian KingmaDr Nick Carr, GP at St Kilda Medical Group.stkildamedicalgroup.com.auWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/