Destination Medicine Podcast: Recent Episodes
Regional Training Hubs
Opportunities for a successful medical career in rural Australia are immense. The Destination Medicine© podcast library has been created to assist anyone who has thought about a career as a rural doctor to make informed decisions and navigate a rural medical pathway with greater confidence.
Each episode of this podcast series brings the story of a doctor and their journey into rural medicine. It hasn't been a straight highway for many; there have been a few bumps, U-turns and bends along the way. How did a city slicker end up living on a farm in the Riverina of NSW? And what happened to the young doctor who had a life changing moment on an isolated highway in the Northern Territory? Well, you will have to listen to find out...and there's more.
With over 23 specialities, 81 fields of speciality practice and 86 speciality titles, making career decisions can seem overwhelming for medical students and junior doctors. For some it is an easy decision, having always known the area in which they want to work, however, for others, the plethora of information and complex selection and admission criteria for training, is daunting.
Our doctors share their candid and fascinating stories so that you, the listener, can have a better understanding of what's involved in pursuing a rural career pathway. Lifestyle counts - and for those who are living in rural and remote Australia, the impact is immeasurable.
The podcast series, 'Destination Medicine' is a collaboration between four rural NSW Regional Training Hubs - Far West, Riverina, Western and Northern NSW.
Infectious Diseases Physician Dr Aiveen Bannan has spent almost two decades building a career in infectious diseases at Port Macquarie Base Hospital in New South Wales, proving that highly specialised medicine can thrive in a regional community. From patient care and public health to teaching the next generation of doctors, she shares why regional practice has offered her a rewarding and varied career.
Aiveen reflects on the importance of collaboration, mentoring and maintaining balance in a demanding profession, while explaining how strong professional networks and a supportive community have helped shape both her career and family life.
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Dr Gabe Sanchez never expected psychiatry to become his calling. After training as a pharmacist and pursuing a career in general surgery, he made the difficult decision to change specialties in pursuit of a career that better aligned with his values, family life and long-term goals.
Now a psychiatry registrar at Wagga Base Hospital, Gabe reflects on finding purpose in regional medicine, the rewards of teaching and mentoring, and why choosing rural practice has allowed him to build both the career, and the life, he was searching for.
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With 2027 RDN Cadetship applications now open, this episode is a timely reminder of where the opportunity can lead...
Dr Nicholas Ireland’s journey through life to becoming a NSW Regional Doctors Network Cadet has been a long and demanding one. Expelled from boarding school in year 11, he first became a sheet metalworker on what he describes as a subsistence wage. But it was while he was working as a FIFO welder on oil rigs off the Western Australia coast that he realised he had to do something else with his life. So he quit and applied for a university foundation course and got such good marks he was accepted into medicine via a rural pathway. This boy from the bush, supported professionally and financially by the cadetship program, is now well on the way to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a rural generalist doctor, planning to settle with his wife in Dubbo.
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Lachlan MacMillan's route to medicine has been anything but traditional. After leaving school to become a carpenter, he spent years working across rural and remote Australia, from cattle stations and horseback tours to conservation work in the Kimberley, before a series of medical emergencies sparked an unexpected passion for healthcare.
Now studying medicine through the School of Rural Health in Dubbo, Lachlan reflects on the family support, mentors and life experiences that helped him pursue a career he once thought was beyond his reach.
His story is a powerful reminder that there is no single pathway into medicine, and that sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the least expected.
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ENCORE: This Thank a First Responder Day, we proudly replay this episode, celebrating those who serve and support our communities every day.
Soaring to the heights of rural and remote medicine — and not just in RFDS planes — Dr Jessica Martyn has enjoyed an extremely varied and exciting career. Dr Martyn, who is now the Head of Unit at the Port Augusta Hospital Emergency Department, has a passion for emergency medicine and regional healthcare that was shaped by her unique upbringing, hands-on medical placements, and early career experiences. From growing up with a search-and-rescue pilot father to working in Alice Springs, Jess shares how the challenges and rewards of rural medicine have fuelled her commitment to regional communities, and how living and working outside the city offers unmatched opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
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In recognition of National Reconciliation week, we are replaying “Reflections on belonging — Tristan Marino’s journey from music to medicine.
What are your pillars of belonging? For Tristan Marino, they are his Aboriginal and Maori family, his connections to community and friends and now, medicine as well.
Tristan started out studying music at a conservatory, doing simultaneous studies in nursing as a career fallback position. He says he surprised himself to find that nursing in emergency departments was more compelling, but he found it frustrating not to be able to answer his many questions about the patients, their maladies and treatments. The only answer was to become a doctor. Tristan is now happily working at the rural clinical school in the regional NSW city of Orange, in a strong and supportive team, surrounded by the sort of inclusive community for which he has always longed.
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From suburban Queensland to clinical training in Wagga Wagga — fourth-year medical student Natalie Vear has wholly embraced rural medicine. A former exercise physiologist and postdoctoral research fellow with a PhD in exercise cardio-oncology, Nat shares how a childhood fascination with life on the land evolved into a passion for rural generalism and holistic healthcare.
Now completing her medical training through the University Of Notre Dame, Rural Clinical School in Wagga Wagga, Nat reflects on the opportunities she’s found outside the city, from hands-on clinical experience and thriving rural research projects, to horse riding, local sporting clubs, and becoming immersed in community life.
In this episode, she talks about overcoming fears around rural placements, the surprising depth of research opportunities available regionally, and why she believes rural medicine offers some of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences a future doctor can have.
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Dr Angus Baumnann took a long, non-linear journey into medicine, that eventually led him to specialise in cardiology. Now based in Alice Springs with his family, and deeply entrenched in the community, Angus couldn’t be happier with the trajectory of his career.
He also talks about the realities of healthcare access in remote Australia, the joy of contributing to service design and model-building, and a powerful patient experience that reshaped the way he thinks about and practices care.
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Laura Sliskovic put aside her desire to become an actress and pursue her passion to become a doctor, supporting remote communities with limited access to healthcare. It was through her mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer, and the challenges of living in rural Bicheno, on Tasmania’s east coast, that Laura understood first-hand the necessity of accessible healthcare for all. Laura’s story reflects resilience, community spirit, and a strong drive to improve healthcare access for underserved populations.
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Dan's story has been captivating listeners since 2020. As our most downloaded episode of all time, we thought it was worth a relisten.
In retrospect it was the perfect vocational choice. But Dr Daniel Stewart just didn't know it as he rowed hard and fast for Australia, chopping and changing university courses before finally giving medicine a crack. Now based in Dubbo, with a four-minute commute to work, he couldn't be happier.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes for our fresh new crop of Interns – all the best for your next adventure!
For Pippa Kensit, medicine always beckoned, especially because public health is where her heart is. A passion confirmed early on as she travelled abroad, and then through rural and reginal Australia. But it was only after becoming a nurse and going through her own back surgery, that she finally decided to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. Pippa’s story is one of incredible focus, passion and determination along an unconventional journey - a picture pained all her own. Now a Junior Doctor at Orange Base Hospital in NSW, she gives the best of herself to help others in need and to strengthen communities.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes for our fresh new crop of Interns – all the best for your next adventure!
It was sage advice from an English teacher that saw Dr Grace Nelson achieve her aspirations. She was counselled to not only celebrate her good grades, but also work hard to shrink the margin between those good marks and a perfect score of 100 per cent next time. Since primary school Dr Nelson had dreamed of becoming a rural doctor, and, through university, she realised the profession — with its intellectual rigour, contact with people and mission to help and to cure — was a perfect fit for her personality. So, she immersed herself in regional training, and after gaining experience in several centres, landed in Dubbo, which she says “ticks all the boxes.” Now, not only is she gaining a wide variety of clinical experience, but she gets to work with a close and varied team in the relaxed regional environment that she has always loved.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes for our fresh new crop of Interns – all the best for your next adventure!
Dr Stephanie Pollard is a proud Ngemba woman who grew up playing sport and making mischief in Goulburn. She had more than her fair share of broken bones, but it was through those injuries that she got the inkling that medicine might just be for her. Stephanie is now an Intern at Orange Health Service and is sharing the ups and downs of making the leap from student to intern, as well as her passion to improve the health of Indigenous People in rural communities. It's early days in her medical career, but she knows she has a great support team around her to help her learn to feel the fear and do it anyway.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes so people preparing for GAMSAT can learn from the best.
When Lily Hogan was growing up on her family’s sheep and cropping farm at Bethunga in the Riverina, she had no-one to influence her towards medicine. But the idea started to dawn on her while she was still at school and she decided to go for it. Why? She learned early, on the farm, how the right care can resolve dangerous situations.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes so people preparing for GAMSAT can learn from the best.
Andre McDuling is on the verge of realising a decades-long dream: to become a doctor who caters for a rural community. Andre shares his transformative journey from IT specialist to medical doctor via several other degrees. He describes how he navigated through travel and study life, his persistent efforts, and the challenges of medical school applications. It’s a story of dedication, perseverance and resilience, mixed with an unwavering passion for rural medicine.
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We're relaunching a few of our fave episodes so people preparing for GAMSAT can learn from the best.
Laura Beaumont’s life-long dream of becoming a doctor is on a road to reality as she completes her third year as a medical student at the University of Western Sydney. Her enthusiasm inspired her older brother to give up a career in building and construction to study medicine. Laura’s message? Follow your own path and enjoy the journey!
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Raised on farms in both South Africa and the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Matthew Collocott took the long road into medicine — from biomedical science at Griffith University, to four attempts at the GAMSAT, to finally securing a place at the University of Wollongong. Close-knit teams, hands-on experience and strong mentorship shaped his early career and fuelled his passion to pursue Rural Generalism. Now as a Junior Doctor at Lismore Base Hospital and preparing to enter GP training, Matt is building a life that blends medicine, family and the outdoor lifestyle he loves. His journey is a testament to persistence, opportunity and the unique rewards of training and working in regional Australia.
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Dr Morgan Neasey grew up in rural northwest Tasmania, far from any clear pathway into medicine. First in her family to become a doctor and go to university, determination and community shaped her drive to help others. After studying biomedical science in Melbourne and postgraduate medicine in Wollongong, she returned home to begin her medical career. Now, an unaccredited orthopaedic registrar in Burnie, Morgan shares how strong mentorship, hands-on rural training and a passion for giving back have guided her toward a future in orthopaedic surgery.
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To celebrate National Rural Health Month, we’ve reached into our archive and are replaying one of our most popular rural episodes of all time.
Dr Rebecca Irwin has planted her flag in the town of Barcaldine in Queensland’s Central West, and it’s here she intends staying. As a rural generalist based at Barcaldine Hospital, she can’t imagine she’ll want to move.
In this episode, we follow Dr Irwin’s indirect path to medicine, and the impact a nursing degree had in her subsequent choices. She sheds light on the highlights and challenges of her medical training, particularly the shift from general to paediatric medicine, her rural placements, and the invaluable support received throughout her journey. She also describes her current role at the hospital, providing a unique blend of primary and emergency care, the fulfillment found in her daily interactions with the community, and balancing work and family life in this vibrant rural setting.
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From Sri Lanka to small town Finley NSW. That was the path Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff and his wife took about 20 years ago. And what a journey it’s been. From becoming entrenched in the community to playing a crucial role in building the rural generalist training and single employment model, piloting this in the Murrumbidgee. This is now a nationwide model. Alam explains his journey to Australia, the passion for his work and drive to create the best primary care services for the community and primary care professionals alike.
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From a farm in remote WA to becoming a rural anaesthetist in Tasmania – Deb Wilson’s path was anything but straight. She describes growing up in a family that prioritised education, reveals how a reluctant start in anaesthetics became her calling, and how she balances front-line care, and mentorship in one of the most beautiful corners of the country.
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To celebrate Rural Generalism becoming a recognised medical speciality, we've reached into the archive and are replaying our most popular RG episode of all time.
Dr Teena Downton's specialisation is a great example of the diversity you can have in your work, as a GP, based in the country. You may have heard of the term ‘Rural Generalist' but what does it mean and what pathway do you take to be one? In this episode of Destination Medicine get ready to be motivated as Teena speaks about the many hats she wears from working at the local Emergency Department to being involved in the delivery of 150 babies!
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After starting her career as a veterinarian, Dr Amanda Fulton couldn’t ignore the calling to study medicine. At 29, she took the leap, retraining while raising a young family, and is now a trainee at Port Augusta Hospital South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. Amanda shares the challenges of stepping back into student life, the rewards of rural practice, and how she balances medicine with motherhood, teaching, and her passion for dance. Her story is one of courage, adaptability, and commitment to community.
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Emily Turnbull began her career as a paramedic but over time, realised she could do more for her community by becoming a doctor. Now a fourth-year medical student at Dubbo Rural Clinical School and raised on a property in rural almost remote NSW, rural life is in Emily’s blood. So, it makes sense that she eventually wants to bring all of her skills and knowledge home, to support rural communities in need. And with the belief and determination she has, she’ll do just that.
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While it might seem like medicine is for the well healed, it’s actually a course that creates opportunities for everyone. Rhi Noble, now a Junior Doctor at Lismore Base Hospital, is an extraordinary example of fighting through disadvantage, with purpose, grit, knowing exactly who she is and what she wanted to do with her life. Raised and supported, mainly by her grandmother and the LGBTQIA community of the Northern Rivers, it was this group of people that formed her community, helped her grow and believe in herself.
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In year 9, Bradley Dovenor accidently discovered that one could study post-graduate medicine. It was revelatory and lit the flame for what would become a singular desire to get into medicine. As an introvert and self-described nerd, studying medicine at the University of Wollongong has not only given Brad the theory and skills to shine, but it’s brought him out of his shell, profoundly changing how he interacts with the world. More focused than ever on a career as a Rural Generalist in Broken Hill, Bradley’s story is a lesson in trusting yourself, giving it your all and connecting to people and community.
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Jessica Mepstead gave herself two months to study for the GAMSAT. Already working as a dietician, she chose not to tell a soul until the result – she passed! She also gained some great insight and perspective on the process. And while her drive and passion are undeniable, the workload still astounds her. Now a 3rd year medical student at Dubbo School of Rural Health, Jessica is embracing Dubbo life to the fullest, from the number of opportunities in her clinical study program to the incredible lifestyle.
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For Pippa Kensit, medicine always beckoned, especially because public health is where her heart is. A passion confirmed early on as she travelled abroad, and then through rural and reginal Australia. But it was only after becoming a nurse and going through her own back surgery, that she finally decided to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. Pippa’s story is one of incredible focus, passion and determination along an unconventional journey - a picture pained all her own. Now a Junior Doctor at Orange Base Hospital in NSW, she gives the best of herself to help others in need and to strengthen communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From playing gigs in pubs to delivering babies in the Outback, Liam Halford’s journey to medicine was anything but typical. Growing up in Gawler, South Australia, with no family history in medicine, Liam discovered his passion for rural healthcare through placements in Maleny and Broken Hill. He shares how hands-on experiences, tight-knit communities, and unexpected adventures — including ambulance rides and camel races — shaped his training and inspired a deep love for country medicine. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when you step outside your comfort zone.
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Growing up in rural Tasmania, Lonnie Schramm never imagined becoming a doctor — especially not in the Northern Territory. But a move to Darwin, a psychology degree and a leap of faith into medicine changed everything. Lonnie shares her unconventional journey, from self-doubt to studying medicine in Alice Springs, working with First Nations communities, building a rural health student society, and finding strength through music, mentorship, and connection.
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Always a country kid at heart who is training in emergency medicine, Dr Brittney Wicksteed is already emerging as a key leader in rural health in her home state of Western Australia. She’s now WA Rural Doctors in Training Chair, as well as the Vice President of the Rural Doctors Association of WA. It was Dr Wicksteed’s journey through medical school that really helped her to realise rural medicine was where she truly belonged. She shares how growing up in small-town Western Australia, boarding school in Perth, and early exposure to rural placements shaped her path to emergency medicine, and she discusses the unique hands-on skills, strong mentorship, and problem-solving mindset that rural training provides — offering invaluable experience that city-based trainees may miss.
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After two decades working to heal the planet, Dr Stefanie Pidcock made a huge change, pivoting to a career of healing individuals in a rural setting. And this ecologist-turned-medic hasn’t looked back. Dr Pidcock shares her journey to healthcare, describing why she enthusiastically recommends rural internships, with their high level of training in some of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Dr Pidcock highlights the supportive mentors, hands-on learning, and tight knit communities that make rural medical practice so rewarding.
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Living where people know your name, and are keen to stop and chat, is high on Dr Courtney-Anne Blackhall’s priority list for life, as is having a broad-based career in this friendly environment. So the Northern Rivers, with its beaches, restaurants and cool sea breezes is the perfect location to work as a rural GP. Courtney-Anne shares the story of her journey from Perth to Lismore, discussing the unique challenges of rural healthcare and why saying “yes” shaped her path to becoming a compassionate and adaptable GP.
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Growing up a city kid, it hadn’t dawned on Dr Emma Jones that she could and would dedicate herself to being a Rural Generalist. Then a conversation with other medical students about the benefits of living regionally led her to the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program. Taking part in rural placements ignited her passion for regional healthcare. She hasn’t looked back. Now a GP in Geraldton, she thrives in a diverse, flexible career that includes private practice, rural outreach, hospital work, and medical education. Emma shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the rewards of life as a rural doctor.
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A frightening experience at the age of 16 prompted Jack Howard to study medicine. He was on a country road when his grandfather experienced chest pains, and Jack didn’t know how to help except to drive at speed to the nearest country hospital. With limited guidance and no real medical role models, Jack was forced to navigate the complexities of medical school applications alone and says he “went in very naively.” His story underscores the profound impact of rural medical practice and the importance of resilience and community support. His story shows how personal experiences can shape a fulfilling career in rural healthcare.
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It's certainly not a common trajectory — from an established career in graphic design and marketing to medicine — but that’s the extraordinary career path of Dr Anna Western, a Rural Clinical School of WA alumna now working in that state’s Goldfields region. Anna discusses her choices and the determination that was required to undertake medicine while raising three young children. She reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to medicine, the challenges of balancing study with family life, and the unique opportunities and rewards of rural practice. Anna says open spaces, a vibrant community and scope for professional growth in Kalgoorlie has transformed and enriched her life and career.
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Soaring to the heights of rural and remote medicine — and not just in RFDS planes — Dr Jessica Martyn has enjoyed an extremely varied and exciting career. Dr Martyn, who is now the Head of Unit at the Port Augusta Hospital Emergency Department, has a passion for emergency medicine and regional healthcare that was shaped by her unique upbringing, hands-on medical placements, and early career experiences. From growing up with a search-and-rescue pilot father to working in Alice Springs, Jess shares how the challenges and rewards of rural medicine have fuelled her commitment to regional communities, and how living and working outside the city offers unmatched opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
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From learning to winch out of a helicopter to providing critical care in the most demanding circumstances, Dr Katie Barnes spends her career undertaking risky retrieval missions for patients. It’s an extraordinary specialisation, and one she says can be terrifying. Growing up in Byron Bay, Katie is training as an emergency medicine specialist and retrieval doctor in her home Northern Rivers region. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in rural healthcare, the excitement of retrieval medicine, and her experiences balancing a medical career with family life. She also offers advice to women medical students and professionals considering a career in emergency or retrieval medicine, highlighting the flexibility and support available.
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The pristine beaches, the effortless rural lifestyle and participating in a welcoming community. It was all too much for Dr Isaac Taylor to resist. So he’s returned to the place he grew up in to serve the communities of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. In this episode of 'Destination Medicine', Dr Taylor shares his journey from childhood to coming home as a GP registrar. He also discusses his unexpected path into medicine, the rewarding experience of rural placements, and his current role in Cummins as part of the Remote Vocational Training Scheme.
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It’s hard to beat the regional doctor lifestyle. That’s according to veteran Dubbo GP Dr Andrew Moreton, who has dedicated his career to lifetime care in regional NSW. He’s had the opportunity to bring up his children on a small property just a few minutes from town while practicing a varying professional life and contributing to the community. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Moreton shares his journey from aspiring psychiatrist to rural general practitioner, describing the moment he realised his passion for holistic care. He reflects on the diverse opportunities he's encountered in rural medicine, from teaching and mentoring to public health projects in remote communities like Bourke. Andrew offers advice to medical students, emphasising the limitless possibilities in general practice and the rewarding connections forged through rural healthcare.
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If you are planning to practice in an area the size of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, it helps if you buy a plane and learn to fly. That’s how Dr Scott Lewis brings crucial GP and anaesthetist services to his huge patch of rural and remote Australia. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Lewis describes his rewarding and varied professional life. He discusses the impact of his early experiences, the significant impact of his mentor, and the pivotal role rural medicine played in shaping his career. He highlights the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in small communities, and how his diverse roles — spanning clinical practice, teaching, and emergency services — have allowed him to make a lasting impact on rural healthcare.
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There is so much to be learned from the vastly experienced Dr John Floridis, a pharmacist-turned rural generalist and advanced emergency medicine trainee. As well as being a rural and remote family doctor, John is a GP anaesthetist and a medical retrieval consultant who spent almost a decade servicing remote communities (and the citizens of Darwin) in the Top End.
In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Floridis shares his medical journey from his early days working in South Australia's Riverland to practicing in remote East Arnhem Land. He reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of rural and remote healthcare. He discusses the deep connections with local communities, the broad scope of practice, and the huge opportunities for both professional and personal growth in rural and remote medicine.
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We all owe something to our mothers, but medical student Georgia Goodhew is especially grateful to hers. When Georgia finally realised a girl could become a doctor, it was her mother who stood beside her in the face of many detractors. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Georgia shares her journey from growing up in Narrabri to pursuing her dream of becoming a rural doctor. Fascinated by the human body from a young age, Georgia overcame numerous challenges, including the lack of female doctors in her community, to achieve her goal. She discusses her path through sonography, the pivotal role of mentors, and the motivation behind co-founding Boots to Scrubs, an initiative for rural females aspiring to do medicine. Georgia’s story is a testament to hard study, community support, and the fulfilling opportunities in rural healthcare.
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Running her own practice in a “top ten” tiny town, Dr Emmy Hennell is a rural GP in a position to sit back and survey her great achievements, wrapped in the arms of a supportive community. From her home in Tumby Bay, South Australia, Dr Hennell shares her extraordinary story, from growing up as the 11th of 13 children in an Adelaide family, to becoming a dedicated rural GP. After nearly leaving medicine to become a nurse, Dr Hennell overcame numerous challenges, including balancing motherhood and her medical career, to eventually own and run a rural medical practice. Her story highlights the importance of persistence, community support, and the unique opportunities that rural medicine offers.
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Medical student Grace Hollow is an astounding advertisement for home schooling. Having grown up on a farm in a small rural town in South Australia and being home schooled by her parents, Grace has almost attained her dream of becoming a rural GP. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Grace Hollow describes her journey from the application process through to the benefits of rural placements, and how following her strong religious faith has helped to guide her along a path of service to others. She highlights the challenges and rewards of studying and working in regional areas, reflecting on her passion for rural healthcare.
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An ambition to find a challenging position in life, where close teamwork and hands-on experience go together, has led Dr Robert Easter to an incredibly interesting and varied specialist career. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Easther, a consultant anaesthetist working in NSW and Tasmania, shares his journey and dedication to rural healthcare. Starting medicine late, he found his passion in obstetric and orthopaedic anaesthesia, shaped by a fellowship in Canada. At Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, he serves as a supervisor of training and leads a regional anaesthesia training scheme. He emphasises the importance of mentorship and the diverse, challenging nature of anaesthesia. But it’s not all hard work, with Dr Easter enjoying the work-life balance in Wagga Wagga, being close to work and active in the community. He advises medical students and junior doctors to plan ahead and stay open to opportunities.
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Studying in regional Australia is a “huge blessing” according to Shray Sinha, who is undertaking his qualifications in Dubbo, NSW. Shray swapped engineering for medicine to follow his family’s culture of care. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Shray shares his unique journey from growing up in Dubbo to studying medicine in his hometown. He discusses the advantages of rural medical education, such as personalised, intensive mentorship and quality of life, as well as the valuable support he receives from his family and community. This episode highlights the importance of balancing personal and professional life in medicine, and even looks at Shray’s study into this podcast itself.
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Nicholas Mott is living his medical student dream. He has been enjoying stimulating and varied study and training in outback Broken Hill while also enjoying a busy and “very fun” social, cultural and sporting life there. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Nicholas shares his journey from growing up in the small town of Bega, NSW, to pursuing a career in medicine through the University of Wollongong. Nicholas discusses his experiences in the application process, the unique challenges and rewards of rural placements, and his passion for rural medicine. He offers valuable tips for young doctors considering a similar path and highlights the vibrant community life and diverse opportunities available in rural settings.
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It sounds like the set-up for a great dad-joke. What do you get when you mix an IT guy with a South African medical clinic? Rather than a punchline, Andre McDuling is on the verge of realising a decades-long dream: to become a doctor who caters for a rural community. Andre shares his transformative journey from IT specialist to medical doctor via several other degrees. He describes how he navigated through travel and study life, his persistent efforts, and the challenges of medical school applications. It’s a story of dedication, perseverance and resilience, mixed with an unwavering passion for rural medicine.
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Dr Tau Loseli is living his dream: a (literally) hands-on medical practice in regional Australia which affords him to so much more time to spend with his wife and children. This son of Tongan immigrants started out pulling vegetables from the ground with his family. But Tau was inspired by the community respect given to a family mentor and set about making his way toward the same stature. In this episode of "Destination Medicine," Dr Tau Loseli shares his inspiring journey from growing up in regional Australia to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon.
Raised in Griffith, Tau's upbringing in a hardworking, close-knit community instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and resilience. He discusses how rural placements, and a scholarship helped him overcome financial challenges and pursue his passion for medicine. Tau's story highlights the unique rewards of practicing in regional areas, including a profound sense of community and the opportunity to give back to the people who shaped his life.
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In this episode of Destination Medicine, we hear this inspiring story of a pharmacist, Dan Kendall, from Dubbo who decided to pursue his dream. Daniel shares his journey to medicine, highlighting the pivotal moments and supportive community that encouraged him to take the leap. He discusses the unique advantages of studying and practicing medicine in a rural area, including the tight-knit community, diverse clinical experiences, and the impactful, hands-on learning environment. He explains how he balances family life, rigorous studies, and his passion for rural healthcare, proving that you don't have to leave home to achieve your medical aspirations.
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What’s it like to decide to sit the GAMSAT and apply for medicine from another career? And is regional life really what it’s cracked up to be? Student Doctor Lizzie Del Gigante can provide some insights. In this episode, Lizzie shares her journey from radiography, reflecting on the diverse opportunities within healthcare. Her experience working closely with ED doctors and orthopaedic registrars sparked her interest in continuous patient care, ultimately leading her to pursue medicine. Lizzie discusses the supportive environment of rural clinical schools like Orange, highlighting the benefits of one-on-one teaching and community engagement. She also talks about her research project on rural placements, revealing encouraging trends of graduates returning to rural areas for specialist roles.
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Nobody could convince Dr Nathan Blake to live and work in the city. He says a regional life is much “easier”. Not just because it is easier to get around, but because it is easier to work closely and learn more from your teachers, and because the cost of living is so much lower, making it financially easier for trainee doctors with potential student debts.
In this episode of "Destination Medicine", Dr Blake shares the story of his journey into medicine, shaped by his childhood experiences on a farm during a drought and encounters with dedicated GPs. He reflects on his rewarding rural placement in Dubbo, highlighting the sense of community and unique learning opportunities. He discusses memorable moments in his career, the benefits of rural medicine over metro placements, and offers valuable advice for medical students considering a career in regional areas.
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Dr Joe Harris is living his dream, with a deep connection to regional Dubbo. In this episode, Joe shares the story of how his career has moved from childhood dream to rural reality. He reflects on the mentors who guided him, the challenges and rewards of rural practice, and his decision to train with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Joe's commitment to Dubbo becomes apparent as he describes the vibrant community, the close-knit relationships with patients, and his aspirations to stay and work as a dedicated GP in this welcoming city. It’s a compelling invitation for doctors seeking a fulfilling career in regional Australia.
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Dr Rebecca Irwin has planted her flag in the town of Barcaldine in Queensland’s Central West, and it’s here she intends staying. As a rural generalist based at Barcaldine Hospital, she can’t imagine she’ll want to move.
In this episode, we follow Dr Irwin’s indirect path to medicine, and the impact a nursing degree had in her subsequent choices. She sheds light on the highlights and challenges of her medical training, particularly the shift from general to paediatric medicine, her rural placements, and the invaluable support received throughout her journey. She also describes her current role at the hospital, providing a unique blend of primary and emergency care, the fulfillment found in her daily interactions with the community, and balancing work and family life in this vibrant rural setting.
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Hailing from a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Jean-Baptiste Philibert (or J.B. to his friends) has had a unique journey to into medicine. In this episode of Destination Medicine, J.B. leads us through the story of his experiences after arriving in Australia, from being a chef and tour guide in central Australia to finding his calling in medicine.
While discussing the challenges of clinical placements in regional settings, J.B. describes the sense of belonging and variety of experiences they offer, as well as the profound impact community engagement can have on personal growth and confidence. From the competitive application process to overcoming imposter syndrome, J.B. has plenty of advice for aspiring medical students.
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From dreaming of being a pilot to becoming a rural doctor with an enormously diverse skill set, Dr Peter McInerny has had an inspiring medical journey. In this episode he discusses the pivotal moments that led him to choose rural medicine, the challenges and rewards of general practice, and the personal qualities essential for success.
With anecdotes ranging from being the town vet to delivering babies and administering anaesthetics, Dr McInerny’s career is a great example of the unique and fulfilling opportunities available in regional and rural medicine. His insights and advice offer valuable guidance for anyone considering a medical career.
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Growing up in a blended family and exposed to various walks of life, Kasarina (Kas) Mann is a proud Indigenous woman with an inspiring story. In this episode, Kas describes a journey that has seen her move from formative years in remote and rural parts of Australia to studying at Oxford University and beyond.
From supporting her sister through pregnancy to facing the challenges of her father's terminal cancer diagnosis, Kas’ personal experiences have shaped her perspective on healthcare.
This episode delves into her academic journey, including a major international study tour and studies in clinical embryology. Kas describes the cultural considerations in choosing a medical pathway and the unique clinical experiences gained in regional settings.
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Born and bred a city kid, Dr Kayla Mizzi has transformed into a passionate rural generalist working in the tiny town of Manjimup in Western Australia’s far southwest. In this episode, we follow Kayla on her journey to rural medicine as she switched almost at the last moment from veterinary science, to medicine driven by a desire to connect with people.
She describes the rewards of rural medicine, emphasising the importance of creativity, resourcefulness and a willingness to embrace challenges. A multifaceted rural generalist, Kayla’s roles include working in the emergency department, serving as an admitting doctor, and practicing as a GP. She also contributes to medical education and research, promoting rural medicine as a fulfilling career.
Dr Mizzi encourages aspiring doctors to pursue rural generalism early in their careers, emphasising the unique opportunities in smaller communities for personal and professional growth.
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It was in the midst of her idyllic country childhood that Associate Professor Kerin Fielding decided to become a doctor — particularly a surgeon. Now a Visiting Medical Officer at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, Prof. Fielding is a prominent orthopaedic surgeon, the first woman in NSW to qualify as one and only the third female president of the Royal Australiasian College of Surgeons. In this episode she also describes her other great passion. A Paris-trained cordon bleu pastry chef, Prof. Fielding also runs her own patisserie. She shares insights into her experiences in rural medicine, the rewarding moments she's encountered, and the importance of mentors in her career. Prof. Fielding also highlights the significance of work-life balance in a rural setting and offers valuable advice to aspiring doctors.
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A devoted medical student who was raised in a tiny, tight-knit community, Marni McFarlane is living her dream in outback NSW. In this episode, Marni shares her journey from a rural upbringing on the Eyre Peninsula to pursuing a career in medicine. She didn't initially consider becoming a doctor until a teacher mentioned it, and she decided to take the leap. Marni talks about her pathway to medical school, her challenges with financial support, and the importance of achieving a work-life balance. She highlights the value of keeping your options open and speaks lovingly about living and working in Broken Hill. With a heart firmly rooted in the country, Marni hopes to return to her rural community one day and help address the shortage of doctors there.
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Dr Nadee Assiriyage was always going to be a Doctor. As a little girl growing up in Sri Lanka she went everywhere with her own ‘doctor’s kit’ so she was always available to perform emergency surgery on her dolls. In this, often humorous, episode, we follow Dr Assiriyage on her inspiring journey from South Asia to a medical school in Adelaide, and then her newfound life in regional Whyalla. A passion for rural medicine is evident as she shares her experiences, from finding her place in a tight-knit community to her unique role as the Director of clinical training in her new forever home. She also offers terrific advice to junior doctors keen to embrace the versatility and close patient relationships a regional position can bring.
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Broken Hill, with its wide-open spaces and desert sunsets, is certainly Dr Ian Carey’s ‘happy place’. Dr Carey's journey to medicine was influenced by his parents, both doctors, and his early experiences living in Alice Springs. However, it was a transformative overseas health internship that ignited his great passion for medicine. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he pursued a unique pathway to medical school, eventually finding himself in the outback NSW town that he loves. He shares the challenges and rewards of practicing rural medicine, highlighting the close-knit community and the sense of purpose it offers. Ian believes that rural medicine isn't just a job; it's a way of life. His story is an inspiring one for any student or junior doctor considering a career in rural, regional, or remote medicine.
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Professor Tara Mackenzie is an important, and influential, figure in the rural health ecosystem. As Associate Dean of Rural Health at UNSW, and a consultant respiratory physician with 17 years of experience in Wagga, Professor Mackenzie has a deep understanding of rural and regional clinical practice. In this episode she shares her journey into medicine and highlights the diverse and rewarding aspects of respiratory medicine. Prof Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of choosing a career path that aligns with your passion and reminds us that it's okay not to have all the answers early in your medical career. Dr. Mackenzie’s commitment to rural healthcare is evident as she discusses her love for Wagga and its close-knit and welcoming community.
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Medical student George Kirolus was sold on medicine as a youngster, when, with wide eyes, he watched the calming impact his GP father had on a family with a sick child. In this episode, George shares his journey to medicine via a rural student pathway. He discusses how medicine's combination of diagnostic skills, teaching opportunities, and community impact have resonated with him, and have been a fulfilling result of a challenging application process. He emphasizes the value of balance between study and well-being, especially in the context of being fit and able to provide empathetic patient care. George also outlines the advantages of a rural lifestyle, including a strong sense of community, easier commutes, and reduced costs of living.
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Rees Telford is a medical student on a mission to encourage others to study and work in regional and rural Australia. Growing up in Cairns and later studying on the Sunshine Coast, Rees describes how his interest in medicine was sparked while at high school by his desire for a constantly evolving career. Rees, who is the first in his family to go to university, discusses how he lucked into a valuable role as a medical scribe in an emergency department. He also delves into his third-year research project, which focuses on this podcast's impact on promoting rural general practice. Rees's recommendations for making the podcast more accessible highlight his commitment to encouraging medical students to consider rural medicine. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and advises listeners to maximize their life outside of medicine.
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Lismore-based Dr Senny Surendrum is a junior doctor whose path to medicine was certainly unconventional. A passionate young sportsman who started out as a physiotherapist, Senny's life took unexpected turns, including time spent teaching and playing hockey in The Netherlands and working on the Canadian ski fields. But a desire to contribute more to society led him to medical school. As a mature-age student, he faced challenges, but found his feet and made lots of new friends at the University of Wollongong, which focuses on regional, rural and remote health. Now settled in Lismore with his family, Senny enjoys the regional lifestyle, and is grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor in a regional paradise.
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Helen Smith had been a pharmacist for 17 years when she decided to take on a medicine degree. But with an aversion to cities and a family firmly entrenched in regional NSW, studying in a rural area was her preferred option. In this episode, Helen offers insights into the application and selection process — emphasising the importance of thorough preparation — and highlights the advantages of working in the rural area that she loves close to her family farm outside of Dubbo. And she encourages other mature-age students to apply because life experience can help make you a better student, and a better doctor.
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A country girl with a passion for caring for both people and animals, Dr Kerrie Stewart says being a rural GP affords her the best of both worlds. Not only is she raising her young family on a small farm, but she gets to work in a busy job that she loves with all the choices and benefits a city GP would enjoy. Living in and working in vibrant Parkes, NSW, Dr Stewart describes the countless avenues available to rural GPs for growth, research, leadership, and mentoring, as well as how she builds meaningful relationships with her patients and colleagues.
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After a 20-year career in radiography, Suzanne Hill moved to Parkes in NSW and had something of an epiphany. Relocating to regional Australia with her young family, Suzanne realised the best way to serve her community — and her own ambitions — was to embark on a degree in medicine. Suzanne talks about the challenges she has faced as a mature age student and mother but also about how she’s finding fulfilment by engaging with the community and forming meaningful connections with people in an environment that she loves.
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Dr Dayna Duncan started out pursuing psychology, but when a local GP questioned her choice, she decided to try medicine and hasn’t looked back. Growing up in a small town but studying in Sydney, Dr Duncan soon found herself outside her comfort zone. But that was just the start of a remarkable journey. Thanks to a family connection in Central Australia, she decided to try Alice Springs, and soon found herself working for a unique patient population, providing healthcare in remote settings, and making a meaningful impact on the health of underserved communities.
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Senuri Pinto’s studies in medicine are an example of just how exciting remote and regional placements can be. A medical student fueled by a lifelong ambition to become a doctor, Senuri says she’s drawing inspiration from the emphasis her studies have placed on rural generalist and Aboriginal health. The highlights of Senuri's voyage have been her practical placements in some of Australia’s most remote locations, where she's had the chance to apply her knowledge and work alongside a team to create a positive impact on underprivileged communities.
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What are your pillars of belonging? For Tristan Marino, they are his Aboriginal and Maori family, his connections to community and friends and now, medicine as well.
Tristan started out studying music at a conservatory, doing simultaneous studies in nursing as a career fallback position. He says he surprised himself to find that nursing in emergency departments was more compelling, but he found it frustrating not to be able to answer his many questions about the patients, their maladies and treatments. The only answer was to become a doctor. Tristan is now happily working at the rural clinical school in the regional NSW city of Orange, in a strong and supportive team, surrounded by the sort of inclusive community for which he has always longed.
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Dr Marty Ryan has certainly found his ‘happy place.” A UNSW graduate who spent the last two years of his degree on a placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, he’s now very happily working as a General Practice trainee in nearby Temora, which is known by some as the friendliest town in Australia. An avid sportsman who is as at home on a bicycle as he is on a rugby field, Dr Ryan says he’s so enamoured with supportive small-town life and his generalist medical career that he now can’t imagine wanting to work anywhere else.
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Asha Heffernan was raised in Wagga Wagga, but after time spend at boarding school, a year travelling India and then another studying in Sydney, she was somewhat cautious about returning home. But it’s now a decision she doesn’t regret.
Asha had always had an interest in pursuing medicine and was encouraged by a best friend who shared her ambition. Stumbling at the first entrance exam, she applied herself to a clinical science degree until she was accepted to medical school in the following year. Now in her second year at the Rural Clinical School back in Wagga, she is overjoyed with her choice. Not only does she get to benefit from the much wider clinical experience she is gaining, but she can also surround herself with supportive family and friends.
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An international student who was born in India and grew up in Kuwait, Karunya Subramaniyan was well into an engineering degree in Singapore when she saw a poster that changed her life. She calls it her “eureka” moment. The advertisement was calling on engineers to consider postgraduate study in medicine, a career path Karunya had always thought was beyond her reach.
With extended family in NSW, she applied to, and was accepted by, the University of Sydney. After hearing glowing reports from her peers, and with fond memories of her father’s rural village in southern India, Karunya chose to undertake a rural placement in Dubbo, and it lived up to her high expectations. Here, she says, she was integrated into the hospital team much faster than would have happened in a bigger city, that she felt instant camaraderie, and has experienced “heaps” of teaching and clinical experience.
Her advice to any other young student — particularly international students — is to “just go for it,” because rural placement is something everyone should experience.
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His parents were as shocked as they were pleased when an 8-year-old Suud Nahdi proclaimed that he was going to be a doctor, and the little boy from Tanzania grew to become the first in his family to attain tertiary education. It was while he was studying in Canada that he first became interested in faraway Australia, and it was “on a whim” that he looked up Sydney University medical school and put in an application.
Several years down the track he says it was the greatest decision of his life, that his training has been far better than he expected, and that he has found somewhere he feels he belongs. Suud can’t recommend an extended rural placement highly enough, because of the broad and exciting exposure he is receiving, the warmth of the people he works with and treats, and the Dubbo lifestyle he has grown to love. He says the experience is just what an “ideal” medical school training should be.
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Dr Shannon Nott is emphatic in his advice for anyone considering rural GP training: he says it’s an incredibly rewarding career path where you get to choose your own adventure. And adventure is something Dr Nott is familiar with. A Churchill Fellowship scholar who has travelled to some of Earth’s most remote places to study the intersection of technology and remote medicine, he’s now working as a rural generalist, often travelling to remote outback airstrips with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Training in the city, he met and was influenced by “incredible” mentors due to his involvement in the Rural Health Club at the University of NSW, and then the National Rural Health Student Network. But he also gets to quench his desire to work on policy and big projects through his role as a Director of Medical Services. He says the bush has always called to him, and he is happier in a rural environment. He now lives with his family on a property just outside of his base in Dubbo.
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When asked what advice she’d give to anyone considering a NSW Rural Doctors Network Cadetship, Dr Kirbie Storrier is emphatic: “Do it, apply for it, 100%, right now, you should have already applied, what are you waiting for?”
Dr Storrier had dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood because her farmer father, who has a chronic disease, had found it difficult to get the treatment he needed. She says she felt incredibly supported through her RDN Cadetship, where she and her partner were treated like family, and that it was an “amazing opportunity” where she gained close mentors who have continued on through her medical career.
Now a psychiatry registrar at Dubbo Health Service, Kirbie says she’s grateful to have been able to work with people who understood her dreams, her goals and her values.
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Dr Nicholas Ireland’s journey through life to becoming a NSW Regional Doctors Network Cadet has been a long and demanding one. Expelled from boarding school in year 11, he first became a sheet metalworker on what he describes as a subsistence wage. But it was while he was working as a FIFO welder on oil rigs off the Western Australia coast that he realised he had to do something else with his life. So he quit and applied for a university foundation course and got such good marks he was accepted into medicine via a rural pathway. This boy from the bush, supported professionally and financially by the cadetship program, is now well on the way to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a rural generalist doctor, planning to settle with his wife in Dubbo.
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Participating on the NSW Rural Doctors Network was a “no brainer” for Dr Ariah Steel, who says she was attracted to the program because of the wide experience she’d gain as well as the financial support. Dr Steel had started out dreaming of being a presenter on a TV travel show, but after doing work experience with an orthopaedic surgeon her mind was instantly changed. Now happily ensconced in the Murrumbidgee Rural Generalist Training Pathway, Dr Steel says that, in spite of growing up in the city, she’s now a complete convert to rural life due to the freedom and flexibility it has given her. In fact, she says she’ll never live in a major city again.
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Edwina Fry was on work experience with a country GP when she witnessed a baby being born. It was a turning point in her life. She says she developed new respect for the human body and started to consider becoming a doctor herself. Now a final-year medical student studying with Deakin University, she came to medicine via an undergraduate degree and entry via the GAMSAT, which proved a hurdle, but not an insurmountable one. Edwina is undertaking a rural placement at Warrnambool in western Victoria, where the lifestyle is a definite attraction, and where the variety of clinical work, she says, will make her a better physician.
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Pepe Mifsud is the first to admit that he didn’t give himself enough credit. Throughout his childhood and formative years he’d watched his GP mother take care of their community, and he’d seen the way she and her colleagues were respected. But Pepe just didn’t think he’d ever be able to get into medicine himself, so he embarked on a commerce degree. Medicine, however, kept calling him, and he decided to study and sit the GAMSAT. Raised a rural boy on WA’s Margaret River, he chose a university with a rural focus: The University of Wollongong, with a view to undertaking a long-term rural placement.
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If there’s one thing Dr Robin Williams is proud of, it’s providing medical care to a rural workforce that’s crucial to national food security. Happily ensconced in Molong in the Central West of NSW, and working between the local hospital and his own practice, Dr Williams believes all people — even farmers in remote locations — deserve equity in health care. A London-trained GP who hails from Wales, he decided to move his young family to rural Australia after he and his wife fell in love with the landscape and the lifestyle while on a placement. It was a desire to live near a world-renowned musician that led him to Molong, where he has established a community-supporting practice, and from where he works, on various boards, to improve community health.
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A local emergency doctor called her his “apprentice.” A determined young woman from a country town, who had wanted to be a doctor since early childhood, had done a first aid course so that she could help out at local football games. Many years later, Ashley is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Adelaide who says anyone can follow their dream to become a doctor so long as they have the ambition and tenacity. Now on a placement in outback Broken Hill, she’s a great advocate for working in rural and regional Australia and strongly recommends the mixture of relaxed lifestyle and broad medical experiences.
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Few people from Georgia Sims country town had gone to university, and she’d never heard of anyone studying medicine. But with her “anything is achievable” attitude and the support of family and friends, she’s now in her fourth year of a medicine degree, having spent time in the city and in an array of rural placements. Starting out in undergraduate paramedicine, it was while she was volunteering at a music festival that she was inspired by the leadership and the skills of a doctor supervising a resuscitation. So, Georgia applied to study medicine and, once accepted, found that her life-long pledge not to return to the bush was broken, thanks to the lifestyle and professional advantages rural practice brings. It’s been a steep learning curve, both clinically and in a personal sense, but with the most difficult days now well behind her, Georgia Sims is looking forward to a rewarding rural and regional career.
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It was sage advice from an English teacher that saw Dr Grace Nelson achieve her aspirations. She was counselled to not only celebrate her good grades, but also work hard to shrink the margin between those good marks and a perfect score of 100 per cent next time. Since primary school Dr Nelson had dreamed of becoming a rural doctor, and, through university, she realised the profession — with its intellectual rigour, contact with people and mission to help and to cure — was a perfect fit for her personality. So, she immersed herself in regional training, and after gaining experience in several centres, landed in Dubbo, which she says “ticks all the boxes.” Now, not only is she gaining a wide variety of clinical experience, but she gets to work with a close and varied team in the relaxed regional environment that she has always loved.
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One of the first NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) cadets in NSW, Dr Louis Christie only intended staying in Orange in Central NSW for a couple of years, but he found it far too attractive, both personally and professionally, to leave. He’d quickly made friends in the welcoming community and fell for the regional lifestyle.
After identifying the need for an emergency physician in the area, he launched into a speciality that saw him develop a wide clinical competence, as he, among other things, crossed the state in the CareFlight helicopter. Emergency medicine had everything Dr Christie wanted in a career: it was intellectually rigorous and allowed him to follow his ambition to be a rock for patients and their families in times of crisis. But young men can think of themselves as bulletproof and working under high pressure for a service in its then infancy eventually took a personal toll, so he says he needed to find an alternative.
It was while he was working briefly in hospital administration that a wise mentor directed him toward palliative care. Here was another speciality that allowed him challenging clinical decision making at the same time as engaging with people — patients and their families — at what could be the worst time of their lives. He could still make an intolerable situation better. Dr Christie says palliative allowed him to be the doctor he was meant to be.
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Born and trained in the UK, Dr Lauren Bradbury came to Australia to experience new things. A short visit turned into a permanent commitment when she experienced the joys of working as a rural medical oncologist in regional NSW. First thinking about becoming an emergency doctor, and then a surgeon, it was while she was doing an internship in geriatric care that she discovered the professional fulfillment of working holistically with patients. On a rotation, Dr Bradbury subsequently discovered that medical oncology “spoke” to her both scientifically and with its patient-oriented practice. Now loving her work in a collegiate, rural environment, she spends her time working in and outside of her hospital, conducting outreach programmes with a wide variety of patients across a large part of central NSW.
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Even though he was established in a good job as a radiographer, Will Anderson still secretly harboured what he calls a life-long ambition to be a doctor. He didn’t want to be a “passenger” in the health care system — he wanted to be in the driver’s seat. So, in spite of the fact he’d just invested in a house, he decided to leave radiography behind, and to study to become a doctor.
In this episode, Will talks about the huge efforts he went to for GAMSAT, and how it has all been worth it. He’s now happily undertaking a rural training placement in his hometown of Dubbo, where he gets to experience working in a major trauma centre that is also serving a diverse population across huge area of NSW.
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Dr James Sterrey’s path to regional medicine wasn’t a direct one. As a city boy with a science degree, it was while employed as a research scientist, on Parkinson’s Disease, that he realised working directly with patients, rather than in a laboratory, would be more fulfilling. So, he turned to medicine, and left Sydney for a regional placement in Orange. There he found a collegiate environment where junior doctors were both treated well and given broad enough experience to really find their wings. And he quickly grew to love the regional lifestyle, and the time it gave him to pursue his hobbies. After spending periods working as a doctor as far afield as Broken Hill and Alice Springs, he’s now set to become a regionally based ophthalmologist, happily ensconced in a speciality he says offers a wide variety of work, both for his mind and his hands.
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Fascinated by what she calls the “mad” characters in children’s’ books, Dr Danielle Winch knew that she wanted to be a Psychiatrist when she was just eight years old. Her initial ambition was to work in paediatrics but it was working with older people where she found her calling. Now working in her “dream job” in and around Orange in NSW, Dr Winch says she has happily become the “quintessential bush doctor,” looking after the needs of elderly psychiatric patients in a huge array of settings. A doctor who is not afraid to be outspoken, Dr Winch now advocates against the ageism her patients experience. Her advice for young doctors is that the key to a good career is to make sure you love what you do.
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While working as a lawyer with Indigenous clients in Western Australia’s remote north, Rafael Szumer says he became frustrated that his clients’ health issues affected their ability to attend appointments with him. A strong believer in social justice, he decided to swap the law for medicine so that he could help them more directly. Now studying in a two-year placement at the School of Rural Health in Orange, he describes the change from courts to hospital training as a bigger shock than he expected. But with that behind him, he’s now happily ensconced in a region he loves, doing work that he adores, and complimenting his practice with volunteer charity work for the Indigenous community.
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Having completed her general medicine training in South Africa, Dr Catherine Limberis and her husband decided to make the big move to Australia. But she only knew about Australia’s big cities and imagined that all the spaces in between were largely empty. In the end, she has found that accepting a position in Orange in regional NSW was “the best thing we every could have done.” Dr Limberis says she has had abundant career opportunities, she adores the friendly and inclusive culture, and that she’s fallen in love with the landscape and its wildlife. Her advice to other foreign-trained doctors considering a move is that regional Australia has “so much to offer.”
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Dr Jeremy Curtin is living his life-long dream: raising a large family in a regional city just minutes away from a specialist practice. He says he is enjoying the best of two worlds by undertaking an engaging and challenging clinical speciality while still raising a family in the country.
Having been brought up in regional NSW as part of a medical family, he knew these ambitions early in his life. Following his intern and resident years in Orange he spent six years training in Melbourne — and then a year working in the UK — he started yearning for the regional lifestyle, and with four children in tow, he was keen to head home to the bush.
Working in both public and private practice over a large area of the state’s Central West, Dr Curtin says providing specialist care to whole families of grateful patients is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
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A country boy from the boots up, Dr Dominic Horne was brought up on a cattle station near Wee Waa in northern NSW. Now part way through training to be an anaesthetist, he dreams of one day running cattle and kids on his own property, as well as serving regional communities as a physician.
He’s a strong proponent of the benefits of living and working in regional areas and says that it’s not just easier to work in such an environment, but that experience away from capital cities means you get better mentorship because of the proximity to specialist consultant senior colleagues.
He recounts his journey from a radiation therapy degree in Newcastle, through medical school, to the difficult decision of choosing which critical care speciality to study. He also explains why it is he thinks working as a young doctor in regional areas makes you a better practitioner.
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Moving from the United Kingdom to Wagga Wagga was only supposed to be a one-year adventure for Dr Matthew Thompson. Three years later, he’s now vowing to stay put in a position, and a regional centre, that he loves.
A young Matt Thompson decided to become a doctor as a schoolboy after being taken to emergency with a dislocated knee and admiring the physicians working around him. But as he studied and began his training in the south of England, he couldn’t settle on a speciality until he discovered how varied and interesting geriatrics could be.
He’s a strong proponent of the benefits of working in geriatric medicine, not only because of the wide skills set that is required to treat a multitude of illnesses, but also because of the variety of places and geographic locations in which a geriatrician can work. And he says he enjoys the company of his patients, who, in their advancing years, tend to be friendly and very grateful.
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Dr Yvonne Chang’s journey to medicine wasn’t a direct one, but her travel experiences while studying agricultural research certainly cemented her wishes to work in regional and rural Australia. After consulting with an important mentor and friends who were already studying medicine, she decided that a life in the lab wasn’t for her. Yvonne craved greater personal interactions as well as helping people. So, after a very helpful year working in hospital administration, she finally took the plunge and entered post-graduate medical school, loving the rural placements she went to, including a year in Broken Hill where she was embraced by the community both inside and outside the local hospital.
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Doctor Rhys Harding has obtained extraordinary medical experience for a young doctor by throwing himself into the deep end in some of the most remote places on Earth. From Nepal to the volcanic southern Vanuatu island of Tanna, to a stint for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Rhys has lived the dream of working as a solo doctor, with all the variety and challenges that that entails.
He’s now finishing up his rural and remote specialty training in the indigenous community of Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. But none of those places compares to his most challenging assignment. It was during his 18-month trip as a solo physician in Antarctica, responsible for everything from surgery to counselling, that Dr. Harding really found his feet.
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Taking the skills he learned in the city to a new environment, Dr Patrick Dwyer is a prime example of how one individual doctor can make a huge impression in a regional setting. He’s dreamed of living the regional lifestyle since childhood, and by way of placements in Central Queensland, has spent the last decade working in radiation oncology at Lismore Base Hospital. This father-of-triplets says he’s chosen radiation oncology as a career because he thrives on the face-to-face patient contact. He says he has become a better clinician through the generalist nature of cases he has encountered, and through the mentorship of senior specialists. But just as importantly, he’s given back to his chosen community, by initiating a successful move to accredit Lismore as a radiation oncology teaching hospital.
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After toying with the idea of becoming an investment banker, Daniel Van Der Merwe thought paramedicine would be the perfect mix for his personality and lifestyle. But it was during his first-year placement that Daniel had something of an epiphany. While watching a cool and calm intensive care doctor take charge of the treatment of a stroke patient he realised that he had a new ambition, and started on the path toward a medical degree. Now a final year student, Daniel has decided to stay-on after his rural placement in the NSW regional city of Orange. Having been schooled in Melbourne and having studied in Sydney, Daniel now says he’s keen to stay away from big cities. He says it’s like a homecoming, taking him back to a simpler time as a child growing up in regional parts of South Africa.
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Dr Maddie Kelly knows what she wants, and she goes and gets it - even if it takes longer than expected, and especially when she's told she can't do it. What has helped in achieving her goals is making the most of every opportunity. Today, Dr Kelly has come home to Orange, NSW to train as a GP Registrar. Even more, she’s come home to build a career where she can balance her own interests, health, family, and vocation. Madeleine has some great tips for those of you considering General Practice training, and for prospective medical students wondering if they are enough.
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After successfully completing a nursing degree with three small kids and working full time, Nikki knew there was nothing stopping her from continuing her education and studying medicine. It wasn’t the smoothest journey through the admissions process with a newborn in tow, but she’s had the unrelenting support from her family, community, and academic staff. More importantly, she has backed herself through the entire process. Now in her final year of medicine, she says time management has become an important skill. Her advice to prospective medical students is to have grit and not give up.
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When Georgia Cunningham was studying medicine at The University of Sydney, she applied for all the rural rotations it offered. It led her to the central NSW town of Dubbo, where she felt welcomed from the very first day. After graduating, she successfully applied for an internship at Dubbo Health Service via the Rural Preferential Recruitment pathway. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. There are several reasons she’d prefer a rural placement over a city one, including the varied work and responsibilities undertaken as a junior doctor.
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Dr Stephanie Pollard is a proud Ngemba woman who grew up playing sport and making mischief in Goulburn. She had more than her fair share of broken bones, but it was through those injuries that she got the inkling that medicine might just be for her. Stephanie is now an Intern at Orange Health Service and is sharing the ups and downs of making the leap from student to intern, as well as her passion to improve the health of Indigenous People in rural communities. It's early days in her medical career, but she knows she has a great support team around her to help her learn to feel the fear and do it anyway.
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Dr Joe Duncan’s path to medicine was more unusual than most. He was a winemaker working for leading labels in both Australia and overseas, including Alsace and Chablis in France. He swapped the relatively solitary life in the vineyards to the more social vocation of physician. He discusses his rural pathway into respiratory medicine and the benefits of working in the regional city of Lismore in north-eastern NSW.
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It wasn’t until Hayley Andreazza was completing her PhD in Chemistry and bringing up a young, sick child, that she considered a career in medicine. What she needed was a solid plan to help her navigate all the twists and turns of getting into and studying medicine. Today that plan is in full swing. Hayley is a third-year medical student at the University of Wollongong and is currently completing her 12-month placement her home town of Broken Hill in outback New South Wales.
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If you’re starting out on your medical journey and you’re not yet sure which speciality to pursue, don’t worry! Dr James Collett is a Nephrologist who enjoys working across renal and general medicine based in Dubbo, NSW. As a junior doctor many of his rotations involved renal medicine. As a result, he got to know and like the renal physician teams and found renal medicine very interesting as he was exposed to a variety of work. In this episode, Dr Collett offers his thoughts for medical students unsure of which career path to take.
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Chelsey Avers spent a month in the emergency department of the tiny outback NSW town of Menindee –112 km south-east of Broken Hill. With no regular onsite doctor, Chelsey soon applied the skills she had learnt as a fifth-year medical student. It was stressful, but the experience was invaluable for her understanding of what would be expected of a doctor. The time in Menindee was part of her 12-month placement from the University of Adelaide at the Rural Clinical School in Broken Hill.
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Laura Beaumont’s life-long dream of becoming a doctor is on a road to reality as she completes her third year as a medical student at the University of Western Sydney. Her enthusiasm inspired her older brother to give up a career in building and construction to study medicine. Laura’s message? Follow your own path and enjoy the journey!
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Dr Rosie Ross’s passion to become a doctor started early, but thwarted by circumstances beyond her control, she waited many years before taking the plunge. At the age of 42, she returned to high school and from there started the application process to enter medical school. Now she’s a practice principal in a thriving practice in Coffs Harbour, and her long-held dream to be a doctor has been fulfilled.
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Sam Boog has always wanted to be a doctor. She took the path of training as a Pharmacist to work towards that goal and is now a medical student undertaking an extended rural clinical placement in Forbes, NSW. Through her journey, she has been able to draw on her clinical experiences, her family, her mentors, and her resilience to make the most of every experience. This has included navigating her chronic health condition, living away from home, and transitioning to her new professional identity as a future doctor.
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A couple of “short stints” in two continents is all it took for Associate Professor Marco to realise his medical calling. Working in the Amazon early in his career left a deep impression, as did Australia’s Northern Territory a few years later. North East Arnhem Land is now where Marco Briceno calls home. As a clinician with a private practice and with substantial additional roles in Northern Territory medical administration and academia, Marco has a fulfilling and very definitely full-on life.
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When Harry Gaffney was a young boy, medicine seemed like magic. He visited a doctor for a chronic ailment and suddenly, presto, problem fixed! Harry was hooked. Doctors were liked magicians and even at his young age, he was determined to join their world and find out how the magic of medicine really worked. How could anyone not be fascinated by the mystery of it all? This is Harry Gaffney’s journey from the magic to the reality of medicine.
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Realising that he preferred talking to people than to machines, Josh Crase relinquished his first passion for computing and switched to a medical career. The GAMSAT was a big challenge, but he got through first time and has remained true to rural medicine ever since. In fact, Josh has navigated his way through university to a busy career as a rural generalist GP without a single metropolitan placement. And now he’s come full circle, settling down in the town where he grew up – Broken Hill.
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Tapiwa Mativenga was just seven years old when she and her family uprooted from Zimbabwe to settle in Wyalla, in South Australia. But already at this young age, Tapiwa had made up her mind. She was going to become a doctor. She has remained true to her dream ever since and now she’s well on her way, in her fifth year of study at the University of Adelaide, based in Broken Hill, and loving every minute of it. She’s now planning her path ahead when she completes her studies in 2022.
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At the start of his GP career, John Wenham would not have imagined living and working in Broken Hill. He was the joint owner of a successful practice in Manchester, married with a young child, why would he upend his life and re-establish his career 16,000 kilometres away in Broken Hill? It took a series of decisions, including answering an ad for the Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill. Where? But before they knew it, John and his family were on their way.
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At the start of her career, Rachel James wasn’t at all sure about medicine. Arts Management seemed more likely and that’s where she headed. But the passion wasn’t there and the idea of medicine, she says, had been percolating for a while. She reached a sudden fork in the road, decisions needed to be made. Now, Dr Rachel James is a GP Obstetrician in Deniliquin, and loving it.
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Emma Byrne – Doctor Emma Byrne now - was far from sure that she had “what it takes” to become a doctor. But a serious bike accident, followed by a year of ongoing medical treatment, gave her plenty of time to think. And prepare. Her doubts gave way to thorough determination and now she’s a fully fledged doctor. And still sometimes caught by surprise at her achievement.
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Medicine was in her genes, so was her plan for a regional destination. But specialising in intensive care? That wasn’t part of the plan for Alice Henschke – until she tried it, loved it, and then everything fell into place.
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Lucas Quinn spent years as a nurse before finally making the switch to medical school. As a mature-age student it has been a steep learning curve. Life’s a challenge as Luke strives to “co-prioritise” studies with his commitment to a young family. But finding a balance between home and studies is still the ultimate aim for Luke as he starts a two-year internship in Alice Springs.
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A few short years ago, Joseph Beaton was a teacher. But things weren’t right, he wasn’t satisfied in his career choice. He had already given up on the idea of being a pilot, a radio DJ or even a music composer. Joe was an all-rounder and it took him quite a while to finally settle on medicine as his future career. But having got into medical school, he says his expectations have been surpassed – he couldn’t be happier to have made the right choice at last.
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Dr Katie French was born in Shoalhaven Hospital, in Nowra, New South Wales. Now she’s back at the very same place, working as a specialist in geriatrics and committed to serving the community where she was born and raised. In fact, Katie has stayed true to Shoalhaven and the Nowra region all her life. Her passion for sport, science, medicine and treating the elderly has led to a very busy career – and that’s before you add two small children to the mix!
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When Hazara-born Kumail Jaffry was a young boy, recently arrived from Pakistan and on holiday with his family, his youngest brother dropped boiling water on his legs requiring an urgent dash to hospital. Kumail was the only family member who could speak English. That hospital experience was one of many incidents that confirmed what Kumail already knew at a young age, that he wanted to become a doctor and save lives.
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Growing up with a GP mother as her role model, studying medicine could have seemed like an obvious choice for Amy Thwaites. But it didn’t cross her mind. A career in performing arts took preference, followed by nursing and then, when Amy finally turned to medicine, an application mishap almost upset the grand plan. But she’s on track now, at the University of Sydney Rural Clinical School in Dubbo, and loving the road she finally took to medicine.
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Joseph Freeman has taken a circuitous route to studying medicine and his advice to others is not to panic if you don’t get into medical school first time. There are so many different ways to get there, he says. And he’s proved the point, journeying from an outdoor recreation certificate at TAFE to post-graduate medicine in Dubbo.
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No calling from a young age, no chemistry in high school, yet Lachlan Carroll is now a third year Monash undergraduate studying in Mildura and he’s embracing his medical career. But he was slow off the mark in making up his mind, and a gap year certainly helped him assess his options.
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It wasn’t until Dr David Glendinning was well into his first career as an engineer that he had a change of heart. He decided to try medicine. By that time married life had taken hold, but a stint in Lismore as a student became a more permanent fixture as Dave finally settled into general practice there. He may have been late to the party but David Glendinning has made some wise decisions in life – first to choose medicine, and then to choose a regional setting in which to practise.
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When Lily Hogan was growing up on her family’s sheep and cropping farm at Bethunga in the Riverina, she had no-one to influence her towards medicine. But the idea started to dawn on her while she was still at school and she decided to go for it. Why? She learned early, on the farm, how the right care can resolve dangerous situations.
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Not everyone thinks the city has it all. Associate Professor Mark Arnold left Sydney to pursue the immense opportunities he saw in Dubbo in the clinical teaching space and in his chosen field of rheumatology. Now he’s busier than ever, working hard to develop the medical program that will be offered in Dubbo in 2022, and sharing his passion and expertise with students and professional bodies alike.
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She was told to lower her sights, that medicine was too big a stretch. But that just made Leah-Monique Dowling all the more determined to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor – and that’s despite the years spent in foster care while her parents struggled with physical and mental health issues.
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Dr Paul Lunney knew he’d made the right decision to move from registered nursing to becoming a GP. What he didn’t know until his 3rd year placement in Dubbo was the attraction of working in a rural setting. He was determined to go back, and now he’s established himself as a GP there, thoroughly enjoying the professional and personal rewards that Dubbo offers.
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Even in primary school Bree Gardoll had started thinking about being a doctor. There were no doctors in her Goondiwindi family but with the encouragement of family and friends, and with a lot of planning, her application into medical school was successful and she’s now well on her way. How did she do it?
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Radiography seemed likely, then there was a stab at architecture. But it was medicine that finally attracted Angus McGinness to his long term career. His biggest message: you don’t have to be the-best-of-the-best to gain entry. There are many pathways into medical school – you just need to investigate your best options, understand the processes involved, and get going!
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What do you do when you love jazz saxophone and you love medicine? Both, of course! That’s what Anna Leckie did in pursuing a first degree in music before heading straight into medicine. Now she has no regrets on either front - and returning to the School of Rural Health in Orange as a 4th year post graduate medical student has provided her with the best of both worlds.
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How does a city girl and professional cyclist find a passion for rural medicine – and how could not speaking Norwegian change an entire career path? But that’s been the case for one student whose fateful choice to embrace medicine has taken her to Wagga Wagga – and she wouldn’t be anywhere else.
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Whoever said a rural life would be quieter? Dr Sarah Wenham started her medical career in the city of Manchester in the UK. After qualifying in palliative care, she moved to Blackpool with a catchment area of 330,000 people. Then, to Broken Hill. The contrast couldn’t have been more extreme. But Sarah has embraced her role as the only specialist palliative care physician in the region. And she’s loving it.
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Dr Sarah Moore covered huge tracks in her career development in WA. But she never lost track of her colleagues and mentors, nor of her love for obstetrics and the privilege, as she calls it, of bringing babies into the world. And as a rural doctor at heart, Sarah has found her place in Busselton WA, but her expertise takes her far further afield.
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Australia may have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, but where are the dermatologists? It's a big issue in rural and remote areas where demand for skin specialists is high and the waiting lists long. Orange-based dermatologist Dr Michelle McRae has her own story to tell as she looks at easier paths to rural dermatology for the next generation of trainees.
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In retrospect it was the perfect vocational choice. But Dr Daniel Stewart just didn't know it as he rowed hard and fast for Australia, chopping and changing university courses before finally giving medicine a crack. Now based in Dubbo, with a four-minute commute to work, he couldn't be happier.
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When Dr Sean Hogan was seeking a placement for the last two years of his degree, Wagga Wagga was right at the bottom of his preference list. Reluctantly he took the placement. That was in 2010. Sean's still there and his views about working rurally have undergone a complete transformation.
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Lismore-based surgeon, Sally Butchers, is living proof that you can create a distinguished career as a sought-after surgeon outside the major cities. With a daily commute of less than 15 minutes, and the feeling that she's making a tangible difference to her close-knit local community, Sally is at the peak of her surgical career without sacrificing her lifestyle. Sally shares the words of advice she received from mentors, and why she chose to become a surgeon.
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It's a courageous career move when a young medical student presents before Fellows of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons on the contentious topic of barriers to women in surgery. But that's what young Sarah McLain did at the College's Annual Congress last year. What did she tell them, and how was her message received?
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If you think the TV hospital drama ER could entice you into a career in emergency medicine, take a note from Associate Professor Tim Baker, a rural emergency physician who talks passionately about this field of medicine in the rural setting and the sorts of pathways that can lead you there. In this episode of Destination Medicine, you'll discover that when you can't rely on the resources of a major city hospital, the challenges become rewards.
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Go rural if you really want to make an impact on your medical career. That's the view of Joel Riley, a dual Fellow in General Medicine and Rheumatology, whose career pathway has taken him to rural and regional New South Wales. Joel has always felt strongly about access to health care for people who live in the country and as a doctor he has taken his skills and knowledge to where it is needed most.
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Dr Teena Downton's specialisation is a great example of the diversity you can have in your work, as a GP, based in the country. You may have heard of the term ‘Rural Generalist' but what does it mean and what pathway do you take to be one? In this episode of Destination Medicine get ready to be motivated as Teena speaks about the many hats she wears from working at the local Emergency Department to being involved in the delivery of 150 babies!
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Dr Tim Duncan is an aeromedical retrieval specialist, a GP, Anaesthetist and a film maker. Only two years after graduating from medicine, Tim felt disconnected from who he really was and took a break from medicine to study film. Before pursuing a career in film, Tim decided to do one last locum at Katherine, in the Northern Territory. After a car accident on a silent and remote highway, Tim thought his life may be coming to an end. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Tim shares a story with us, that was both life affirming and life changing.
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Dr. Theresa Pitts was fortunate enough to receive a John Flynn Scholarship whilst she was studying medicine and spent two weeks each year of her degree on the beautiful Flinders Island with the local GP; and that's when her love for country medicine was confirmed. In this episode of Destination Medicine find out the benefits of working as a Paediatrician in the country and the joy of no traffic lights!
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Dr Justin Gladman is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people and is living the dream of working and living in his home town of Broken Hill for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. In this episode of Destination Medicine find out how by putting the right support systems in place and having a lot of determination and drive can make that journey a lot less bumpy.
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