"My plan from day one of medical school was to become a Rural Generalist. I grew up in a little town in Western Australia, and prior to that I don’t believe I had ever met a doctor who wasn’t an RG," Kyle reflects.

"I want to treat people, not just parts of those people. Rural medicine is truly great because you become a part of peoples’ lives and it gives you the opportunity to really get to know them. You become involved in the entire community. You are a part of the good times and the bad, as tough as that might be. But every day you get to have a laugh, to listen to a yarn, to show some kindness and invariably get offered to be taken fishing - one day I just might go," Kyle says.

"Every day as an RG is a new challenge and one filled with rewards.

When I reflect on why, it is quite simple, the whole reason I decided to practice medicine was because, despite our many flaws, I think people are just fantastic. I do not want to treat hearts, or livers, or ears or bones… I want to treat people!"

"Rural medicine has allowed me to become a part of a community, a real part of these peoples’ lives, and really given me the opportunity to get to know them, and to help them live healthier lives," Kyle says.

Dr Kyle Fairclough is an ACRRM Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) registrar with GPEx. If you’re interested to find out more about training to Fellowship on the AGPT Program, visit our website.