Why did you choose to train with ACRRM?  

Growing up in Far North Queensland and rural NSW, ACRRM had always been on my radar. During medical school I was both a RAMUS and John Flynn Scholar which saw me undertake placements in rural and remote NSW and QLD, so I have a strong rural background. I didn’t gravitate to ACRRM straight away; I wanted to explore options and larger centres. That said, it wasn’t long until I realised that I loved the sense of community that comes from rural and remote living and that ACRRM offers the flexibility and scope of practice, with both procedural work and preventative health care, that really suits me. In discussing what I hoped to train in and what I wanted to do, my training officer was somewhat blown away and said: “Wow, this program is perfect for you!” . I agree, I feel like it’s a great match.

In what regions have you completed your training?

I undertook my medical studies with the University of Newcastle, with time also spent in Gunnedah (NSW), Mareeba (QLD), Baralaba (QLD), Maitland (NSW) and a six-month stint in Nottingham (UK). As a doctor I’ve worked in Newcastle (NSW), Maitland (NSW), Tamworth (NSW), Armidale (NSW), Kununurra (WA) and Launceston (TAS). I’m about to start ACRRM training and am looking forward to exploring more of rural and remote Australia, with hopes to work and or train in Antarctica as well.  

What is the most exciting /enjoyable part of working in rural generalism?   

This answer will be forever changing, and that is one of the things that is most exciting and enjoyable. There is so much flexibility and scope for new experiences. At present, I am still early in my career, so the most exciting part is the possibility that lies ahead.

What is an example of a scenario you have found yourself in which highlights the unique nature of working in a rural or remote setting?   

In 2020, I was working in the East Kimberley of WA. On my last day, we flew out to Kalumburu, an Aboriginal Community nearby. During my lunch break, I was fortunate enough to visit the local arts centre, meet some of the artists, and purchase a piece of unique art after learning about the meaning and story behind it. This incredibly special day was topped off with an emergency exit as a tropical low approached bringing a storm and dangerous weather. The last of our patients were seen for the day and we jumped into the back of a Toyota Troopy. We sped toward the airstrip unsure if we would be staying an unplanned night here or if we would make it home. We managed to get out in time before the storm hit, with a bumpy ride up above the storm we eventually had clear skies and a safe flight back to Kununurra.

You were the ACRRM rep on the Pride in Medicine Float. What does this representation mean to you? 

I was excited when I saw ACRRM was supporting Mardi Gras and World Pride. As a new registrar it means a lot to me that ACRRM supports and, above that, celebrates with the LGBTQIA+ community. On a personal level, being an ACRRM rep on the Pride in Medicine Float has allowed me the space to be myself, create conversations and raise awareness around the diversity of queer rural doctors. Sexuality and gender aren’t something that are obvious from the outside, being a representative in World Pride has allowed me to better share this part of myself. Now that Sydney WorldPride is over, I hope to see ongoing support and awareness for LGBT+ issues. 

From your experience, do you think there is enough support for LGBTQIA+ doctors working rurally and remotely?

Though we have come a long way, we have space to move in this area. I hope to see a growing network that supports not only doctors, but the flow-on effect so that patients who identify within the LGBT+ spectrum feel seen and cared for. We are seeing support and community grow, for example, Wagga Wagga in rural NSW hosts its own Mardi Gras. 

What improvements do you think will better support LGBTQIA+ rural GPs? How can ACRRM advocate for LGBTQIA+?

There is space and opportunity for ACRRM to connect with its diverse LGBTQIA+ community and discover what individual and collective needs may be. I’m one small part of our wonderful community and know my needs for support may differ to some of my colleagues. If ACRRM can start an open dialogue with diverse participation, I believe we’ll discover how to best advocate and support us.