Dr Dickson recently travelled to Casey Station in Antarctica as part of the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP), where he practiced generalist medicine in one of the most “unique, unusual and rewarding environments on earth”.

“At Casey Station, Antarctica, you are responsible for the health of individual expeditioners and the community at large. With advanced telemedical assistance from the Polar Medical Unit in Kingston, Tasmania, I was able to provide all the medical, surgical and dental care required. I might have started the day feeling like a GP, but ended it feeling more like a physiotherapist, dentist or counsellor.” Dr Dickson says.

“Working in Antarctica really demonstrated the breadth of care a doctor with the right training and support can provide to a community. It has really affirmed my interest in pursuing a career in rural generalism. It also inspired me to come to Tassie – it has beautiful scenery, great people, and I’m excited to explore Queenstown and the Western Corridor.”

Originally from Canberra, Dr Dickson graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of New South Wales, in 2014, and has since worked throughout regional centres in NSW, including Wagga Wagga and Orange, as well as in Alice Springs. Dr Dickson says he is looking forward to improving the health outcomes of local residents, especially while he works towards his Fellowship of ACRRM (or FACRRM)..

“I love the variety and challenge that rural practice offers, as well as the opportunity to cultivate longitudinal relationships with patients and their families,” he said. “I appreciate the role that a rural GP can have in the community and feel privileged to be working alongside Dr Pashen and his team in Queenstown.”

Dr Robert Dickson is an ACRRM Independent Pathway registrar. Visit our Independent Pathway page to learn more about this flexible Fellowship training option.

Read part 2 of Dr Dickson's story here.