Tell us about your own journey into medicine.

I enjoyed science and maths at school and was keen to help people. My mum was a physio, so I initially thought about doing allied health. A good friend was studying medicine, and I was fascinated by his physiology and anatomy textbooks. He gave me the confidence to consider medicine. One day following a paediatrician around for work experience and I was hooked!

What made you want to pursue a career as a Rural Generalist?

I liked nearly everything in medicine and did not want to have to choose. Probably more importantly, I had a 4 week elective in Te Puia on the East Cape of New Zealand in my penultimate year of medical school, and a 2 week rural GP experience in Mount Gambier in my final year. I just felt at home working in a small hospital and being part of the community.

The 2020 theme of International Women’s Day is #EachforEqual – what does this mean for you as a woman working in medicine?

As a privileged woman in a privileged country, I have great power in comparison to many under-privileged rural women in other cultures, countries and circumstances. My husband Phil and I brought up our boys with only one rule in our house. It’s the Spiderman rule. “With great power comes great responsibility”. So #EachforEqual means I have a responsibility to utilise my medical career to make a difference for people in general, and for rural disadvantaged women in particular. Hence GP obstetrics, then clinical education, rural health advocacy and now rural health research.

How are you working towards breaking down gender bias in your workplace, personal life or in training?
I am lucky to be a resilient person surrounded by some amazing men (my husband, father, brothers, friends and colleagues). It has taken me a long time to see that other women are not as fortunate as me, and that it is the men and women around us all that enable us to believe in ourselves and have the courage to contribute to our world. I hope I am a positive influence in the world, supporting women and men to be the best version of themselves. I also think age and position have enabled me to call out bad behaviour with firm yet constructive commentary. More difficult is to give a voice to those without one. I hope I always have the insight and strength to work toward this.

Do you have a mentor who has inspired you throughout your Rural Generalist training and work?

When I was president of ACRRM I had the amazing privilege of meeting so many remarkable rural generalists across Australia. Each one inspired me. In this role I was also supported by the wonderful, crazy gang of past presidents! Wow! What an amazing and affirming bunch of crusty hairy old blokes they all are! During my presidency, I attended the funeral of past presented Lexia Bryant. I don’t think ACRRM should ever have a conversation about #Each4Equal without acknowledged her contribution to rural medicine. Lexia was an inspirational rural generalist who was committed to her community.

As for RG clinical mentors Dr Diana Cross from my home town in Mount Gambier is inspiring. She has consistently contributed to our community as a rural generalist obstetrician – without any fuss, and seemingly with time for everyone – patients and colleagues alike - since before I came to town 25 years ago.

What advice would you give to medical students and junior doctors who are thinking about training as a Rural Generalist?
Some people question the wisdom of jumping into rural medicine boots and all. I question the wisdom of boots. (Always preferred bare feet myself). So take the road less travelled, and really make a difference.

What do you hope to do in the future?
I recently changed jobs and now lead the Adelaide Rural Clinical School. I am still working to create the next generation of remote and rural doctors for South Australia and Australia….so let’s see.