As a final-year medical student from NSW and budding future rural generalist, Jaffly Chen believes that the challenges associated with a career in rural medicine make for a better doctor overall.
“A career in rural medicine is extremely unique. To me, it’s about variety and opportunity, an extended scope of practice, enticing lifestyle, and a desire to give back to a community which has welcomed me with more than just welcome arms,” he said.
“I’ve loved every town I’ve visited on placement because the community has always welcomed me immediately as one of their own. Rural Australia is such a wonderful place to work, not only because of the people, but because I truly believe it’s the best place to settle down and raise a family whilst still being able to enjoy all the other passions one has in life.
“I recently started learning how to fly small planes, so perhaps in the future I might be one of those doctors flying from town to town in a little Cessna helping out wherever I can!”
Jaffly was lucky enough to secure a placement with the John Flynn program four years ago, a highly regarded program designed to attract the future medical workforce to a rural career, an opportunity which he says has only served to reaffirm his love for rural practice.
“Lucky is an understatement when I think about the past five years as a medical student. As a NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Cadet, opening the email confirming that I’ll be working in Orange, NSW as an intern and resident was one of the most exciting experiences of my life,” he said.
As a proud student member of both the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Jaffly says that both organisations understand the needs of practitioners across rural and remote Australia and clearly reflect this in their attitudes to advocacy and training.
“In addition to providing access to teaching resources, there is an abundance of information on training pathways, placement preparation, and mentor contacts that are extremely willing to help you succeed. I’d encourage all of my student colleagues to join as well.”
Most recently, Jaffly has been chosen to represent his peers as a Student Ambassador at this year’s Rural Medicine Australia conference (RMA), being held in Darwin on 25-27 October 2018. RMA attracts a diverse and collaborative community of junior doctors, students, educators, academics, and medical practitioners who are passionate about generalist medicine in rural and remote communities.
As a regular at RMA, Jaffly explains that his top priority as an Ambassador will be to ensure that as many students as possible can experience the wonderful world of rural medicine and feel empowered to taking that first step towards a rural career.
“There’s honestly something for everyone, no matter their stage of training. Personally, you’ll find me at sessions championing innovation in rural medicine, but I’ll also be learning about the road to a FACRRM and getting involved with Indigenous health. Getting up to speed on all the developments during Professor Paul Worley’s first year as the Rural Health Commissioner will be very interesting in addition to hearing about Dr Jillann Farmer’s work with the United Nations,” he said.
“More than anything however, I’m looking forward to catching up with the familiar faces of friends and mentors who have been the reason behind why I’ve become so passionate about rural medicine.”
For those who might be attending their first RMA, Jaffly explains to really make the most of it you need to plan ahead, get involved, and ask lots of questions.
“Everyone is there to learn from each other! Meet people from different backgrounds and learn about their current work and their journey. Also, have a look at the program and highlight the sessions that really jump out to you, well before touching down in Darwin. The conference app is great for that,” he said.
“Finally, make sure you follow-up on your new connections afterwards. Don’t let RMA be one-and-done. RMA itself may only last 3 days, but the impact should last a lifetime!”
About Rural Medicine Australia
Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) is the peak national event for rural and remote doctors of Australia and internationally, hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA).
This year, RMA will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre from Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 October 2018.
The conference will deliver a packed program full of innovative and informative presentations, workshops, and events, and features a full complement of exhibitors.
RMA Website: www.ruralmedicineaustralia.com.au