Destination Medicine Podcast

Always a country kid at heart who is training in emergency medicine, Dr Brittney Wicksteed is already emerging as a key leader in rural health in her home state of Western Australia. She’s now WA Rural Doctors in Training Chair, as well as the Vice President of the Rural Doctors Association of WA. It was Dr Wicksteed’s journey through medical school that really helped her to realise rural medicine was where she truly belonged. She shares how growing up in small-town Western Australia, boarding school in Perth, and early exposure to rural placements shaped her path to emergency medicine, and she discusses the unique hands-on skills, strong mentorship, and problem-solving mindset that rural training provides — offering invaluable experience that city-based trainees may miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two decades working to heal the planet, Dr Stefanie Pidcock made a huge change, pivoting to a career of healing individuals in a rural setting. And this ecologist-turned-medic hasn’t looked back. Dr Pidcock shares her journey to healthcare, describing why she enthusiastically recommends rural internships, with their high level of training in some of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Dr Pidcock highlights the supportive mentors, hands-on learning, and tight knit communities that make rural medical practice so rewarding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living where people know your name, and are keen to stop and chat, is high on Dr Courtney-Anne Blackhall’s priority list for life, as is having a broad-based career in this friendly environment. So the Northern Rivers, with its beaches, restaurants and cool sea breezes is the perfect location to work as a rural GP. Courtney-Anne shares the story of her journey from Perth to Lismore, discussing the unique challenges of rural healthcare and why saying “yes” shaped her path to becoming a compassionate and adaptable GP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up a city kid, it hadn’t dawned on Dr Emma Jones that she could and would dedicate herself to being a Rural Generalist. Then a conversation with other medical students about the benefits of living regionally led her to the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program. Taking part in rural placements ignited her passion for regional healthcare. She hasn’t looked back. Now a GP in Geraldton, she thrives in a diverse, flexible career that includes private practice, rural outreach, hospital work, and medical education. Emma shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the rewards of life as a rural doctor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frightening experience at the age of 16 prompted Jack Howard to study medicine. He was on a country road when his grandfather experienced chest pains, and Jack didn’t know how to help except to drive at speed to the nearest country hospital. With limited guidance and no real medical role models, Jack was forced to navigate the complexities of medical school applications alone and says he “went in very naively.” His story underscores the profound impact of rural medical practice and the importance of resilience and community support. His story shows how personal experiences can shape a fulfilling career in rural healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's certainly not a common trajectory — from an established career in graphic design and marketing to medicine — but that’s the extraordinary career path of Dr Anna Western, a Rural Clinical School of WA alumna now working in that state’s Goldfields region. Anna discusses her choices and the determination that was required to undertake medicine while raising three young children. She reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to medicine, the challenges of balancing study with family life, and the unique opportunities and rewards of rural practice. Anna says open spaces, a vibrant community and scope for professional growth in Kalgoorlie has transformed and enriched her life and career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring to the heights of rural and remote medicine — and not just in RFDS planes — Dr Jessica Martyn has enjoyed an extremely varied and exciting career. Dr Martyn, who is now the Head of Unit at the Port Augusta Hospital Emergency Department, has a passion for emergency medicine and regional healthcare that was shaped by her unique upbringing, hands-on medical placements, and early career experiences. From growing up with a search-and-rescue pilot father to working in Alice Springs, Jess shares how the challenges and rewards of rural medicine have fuelled her commitment to regional communities, and how living and working outside the city offers unmatched opportunities and lifestyle benefits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From learning to winch out of a helicopter to providing critical care in the most demanding circumstances, Dr Katie Barnes spends her career undertaking risky retrieval missions for patients. It's an extraordinary specialisation, and one she says can be terrifying.  Growing up in Byron Bay, Katie is training as an emergency medicine specialist and retrieval doctor in her home Northern Rivers region. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in rural healthcare, the excitement of retrieval medicine, and her experiences balancing a medical career with family life. She also offers advice to women medical students and professionals considering a career in emergency or retrieval medicine, highlighting the flexibility and support available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pristine beaches, the effortless rural lifestyle and participating in a welcoming community. It was all too much for Dr Isaac Taylor to resist. So he's returned to the place he grew up in to serve the communities of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. In this episode of 'Destination Medicine', Dr Taylor shares his journey from childhood to coming home as a GP registrar. He also discusses his unexpected path into medicine, the rewarding experience of rural placements, and his current role in Cummins as part of the Remote Vocational Training Scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard to beat the regional doctor lifestyle. That's according to veteran Dubbo GP Dr Andrew Moreton, who has dedicated his career to lifetime care in regional NSW. He's had the opportunity to bring up his children on a small property just a few minutes from town while practicing a varying professional life and contributing to the community. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Moreton shares his journey from aspiring psychiatrist to rural general practitioner, describing the moment he realised his passion for holistic care. He reflects on the diverse opportunities he's encountered in rural medicine, from teaching and mentoring to public health projects in remote communities like Bourke. Andrew offers advice to medical students, emphasising the limitless possibilities in general practice and the rewarding connections forged through rural healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are planning to practice in an area the size of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, it helps if you buy a plane and learn to fly. That's how Dr Scott Lewis brings crucial GP and anaesthetist services to his huge patch of rural and remote Australia. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Lewis describes his rewarding and varied professional life. He discusses the impact of his early experiences, the significant impact of his mentor, and the pivotal role rural medicine played in shaping his career. He highlights the challenges and rewards of providing medical care in small communities, and how his diverse roles — spanning clinical practice, teaching, and emergency services — have allowed him to make a lasting impact on rural healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is so much to be learned from the vastly experienced Dr John Floridis, a pharmacist-turned rural generalist and advanced emergency medicine trainee. As well as being a rural and remote family doctor, John is a GP anaesthetist and a medical retrieval consultant who spent almost a decade servicing remote communities (and the citizens of Darwin) in the Top End. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Floridis shares his medical journey from his early days working in South Australia's Riverland to practicing in remote East Arnhem Land. He reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of rural and remote healthcare. He discusses the deep connections with local communities, the broad scope of practice, and the huge opportunities for both professional and personal growth in rural and remote medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all owe something to our mothers, but medical student Georgia Goodhew is especially grateful to hers. When Georgia finally realised a girl could become a doctor, it was her mother who stood beside her in the face of many detractors. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Georgia shares her journey from growing up in Narrabri to pursuing her dream of becoming a rural doctor. Fascinated by the human body from a young age, Georgia overcame numerous challenges, including the lack of female doctors in her community, to achieve her goal. She discusses her path through sonography, the pivotal role of mentors, and the motivation behind co-founding Boots to Scrubs, an initiative for rural females aspiring to do medicine. Georgia's story is a testament to hard study, community support, and the fulfilling opportunities in rural healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running her own practice in a “top ten” tiny town, Dr Emmy Hennell is a rural GP in a position to sit back and survey her great achievements, wrapped in the arms of a supportive community. From her home in Tumby Bay, South Australia, Dr Hennell shares her extraordinary story, from growing up as the 11th of 13 children in an Adelaide family, to becoming a dedicated rural GP. After nearly leaving medicine to become a nurse, Dr Hennell overcame numerous challenges, including balancing motherhood and her medical career, to eventually own and run a rural medical practice. Her story highlights the importance of persistence, community support, and the unique opportunities that rural medicine offers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical student Grace Hollow is an astounding advertisement for home schooling. Having grown up on a farm in a small rural town in South Australia and being home schooled by her parents, Grace has almost attained her dream of becoming a rural GP. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Grace Hollow describes her journey from the application process through to the benefits of rural placements, and how following her strong religious faith has helped to guide her along a path of service to others. She highlights the challenges and rewards of studying and working in regional areas, reflecting on her passion for rural healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ambition to find a challenging position in life, where close teamwork and hands-on experience go together, has led Dr Robert Easter to an incredibly interesting and varied specialist career. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Dr Easther, a consultant anaesthetist working in NSW and Tasmania, shares his journey and dedication to rural healthcare. Starting medicine late, he found his passion in obstetric and orthopaedic anaesthesia, shaped by a fellowship in Canada. At Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, he serves as a supervisor of training and leads a regional anaesthesia training scheme. He emphasises the importance of mentorship and the diverse, challenging nature of anaesthesia. But it's not all hard work, with Dr Easter enjoying the work-life balance in Wagga Wagga, being close to work and active in the community. He advises medical students and junior doctors to plan ahead and stay open to opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studying in regional Australia is a “huge blessing” according to Shray Sinha, who is undertaking his qualifications in Dubbo, NSW. Shray swapped engineering for medicine to follow his family's culture of care. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Shray shares his unique journey from growing up in Dubbo to studying medicine in his hometown. He discusses the advantages of rural medical education, such as personalised, intensive mentorship and quality of life, as well as the valuable support he receives from his family and community. This episode highlights the importance of balancing personal and professional life in medicine, and even looks at Shray's study into this podcast itself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Mott is living his medical student dream. He has been enjoying stimulating and varied study and training in outback Broken Hill while also enjoying a busy and “very fun” social, cultural and sporting life there. In this episode of Destination Medicine, Nicholas shares his journey from growing up in the small town of Bega, NSW, to pursuing a career in medicine through the University of Wollongong. Nicholas discusses his experiences in the application process, the unique challenges and rewards of rural placements, and his passion for rural medicine. He offers valuable tips for young doctors considering a similar path and highlights the vibrant community life and diverse opportunities available in rural settings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andre McDuling is on the verge of realising a decades-long dream: to become a doctor who caters for a rural community. Andre shares his transformative journey from IT specialist to medical doctor via several other degrees. He describes how he navigated through travel and study life, his persistent efforts, and the challenges of medical school applications. It's a story of dedication, perseverance and resilience, mixed with an unwavering passion for rural medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Tau Loseli is living his dream: a (literally) hands-on medical practice in regional Australia which affords him to so much more time to spend with his wife and children. This son of Tongan immigrants started out pulling vegetables from the ground with his family. But Tau was inspired by the community respect given to a family mentor and set about making his way toward the same stature. In this episode of "Destination Medicine," Dr Tau Loseli shares his inspiring journey from growing up in regional Australia to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon. Raised in Griffith, Tau's upbringing in a hardworking, close-knit community instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and resilience. He discusses how rural placements, and a scholarship helped him overcome financial challenges and pursue his passion for medicine. Tau's story highlights the unique rewards of practicing in regional areas, including a profound sense of community and the opportunity to give back to the people who shaped his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Destination Medicine, we hear this inspiring story of a pharmacist, Dan Kendall, from Dubbo who decided to pursue his dream. Daniel shares his journey to medicine, highlighting the pivotal moments and supportive community that encouraged him to take the leap. He discusses the unique advantages of studying and practicing medicine in a rural area, including the tight-knit community, diverse clinical experiences, and the impactful, hands-on learning environment. He explains how he balances family life, rigorous studies, and his passion for rural healthcare, proving that you don't have to leave home to achieve your medical aspirations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's it like to decide to sit the GAMSAT and apply for medicine from another career? And is regional life really what it's cracked up to be? Student Doctor Lizzie Del Gigante can provide some insights. In this episode, Lizzie shares her journey from radiography, reflecting on the diverse opportunities within healthcare. Her experience working closely with ED doctors and orthopaedic registrars sparked her interest in continuous patient care, ultimately leading her to pursue medicine. Lizzie discusses the supportive environment of rural clinical schools like Orange, highlighting the benefits of one-on-one teaching and community engagement. She also talks about her research project on rural placements, revealing encouraging trends of graduates returning to rural areas for specialist roles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody could convince Dr Nathan Blake to live and work in the city. He says a regional life is much “easier”. Not just because it is easier to get around, but because it is easier to work closely and learn more from your teachers, and because the cost of living is so much lower, making it financially easier for trainee doctors with potential student debts. In this episode of "Destination Medicine", Dr Blake shares the story of his journey into medicine, shaped by his childhood experiences on a farm during a drought and encounters with dedicated GPs. He reflects on his rewarding rural placement in Dubbo, highlighting the sense of community and unique learning opportunities. He discusses memorable moments in his career, the benefits of rural medicine over metro placements, and offers valuable advice for medical students considering a career in regional areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Joe Harris is living his dream, with a deep connection to regional Dubbo. In this episode, Joe shares the story of how his career has moved from childhood dream to rural reality. He reflects on the mentors who guided him, the challenges and rewards of rural practice, and his decision to train with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Joe's commitment to Dubbo becomes apparent as he describes the vibrant community, the close-knit relationships with patients, and his aspirations to stay and work as a dedicated GP in this welcoming city. It's a compelling invitation for doctors seeking a fulfilling career in regional Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Rebecca Irwin has planted her flag in the town of Barcaldine in Queensland's Central West, and it's here she intends staying. As a rural generalist based at Barcaldine Hospital, she can't imagine she'll want to move. In this episode, we follow Dr Irwin's indirect path to medicine, and the impact a nursing degree had in her subsequent choices. She sheds light on the highlights and challenges of her medical training, particularly the shift from general to paediatric medicine, her rural placements, and the invaluable support received throughout her journey. She also describes her current role at the hospital, providing a unique blend of primary and emergency care, the fulfillment found in her daily interactions with the community, and balancing work and family life in this vibrant rural setting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hailing from a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Jean-Baptiste Philibert (or J.B. to his friends) has had a unique journey to into medicine. In this episode of Destination Medicine, J.B. leads us through the story of his experiences after arriving in Australia, from being a chef and tour guide in central Australia to finding his calling in medicine. While discussing the challenges of clinical placements in regional settings, J.B. describes the sense of belonging and variety of experiences they offer, as well as the profound impact community engagement can have on personal growth and confidence. From the competitive application process to overcoming imposter syndrome, J.B. has plenty of advice for aspiring medical students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From dreaming of being a pilot to becoming a rural doctor with an enormously diverse skill set, Dr Peter McInerny has had an inspiring medical journey. In this episode he discusses the pivotal moments that led him to choose rural medicine, the challenges and rewards of general practice, and the personal qualities essential for success. With anecdotes ranging from being the town vet to delivering babies and administering anaesthetics, Dr McInerny's career is a great example of the unique and fulfilling opportunities available in regional and rural medicine. His insights and advice offer valuable guidance for anyone considering a medical career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in a blended family and exposed to various walks of life, Kasarina (Kas) Mann is a proud Indigenous woman with an inspiring story. In this episode, Kas describes a journey that has seen her move from formative years in remote and rural parts of Australia to studying at Oxford University and beyond. From supporting her sister through pregnancy to facing the challenges of her father's terminal cancer diagnosis, Kas' personal experiences have shaped her perspective on healthcare. This episode delves into her academic journey, including a major international study tour and studies in clinical embryology. Kas describes the cultural considerations in choosing a medical pathway and the unique clinical experiences gained in regional settings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born and bred a city kid, Dr Kayla Mizzi has transformed into a passionate rural generalist working in the tiny town of Manjimup in Western Australia's far southwest. In this episode, we follow Kayla on her journey to rural medicine as she switched almost at the last moment from veterinary science, to medicine driven by a desire to connect with people. She describes the rewards of rural medicine, emphasising the importance of creativity, resourcefulness and a willingness to embrace challenges. A multifaceted rural generalist, Kayla's roles include working in the emergency department, serving as an admitting doctor, and practicing as a GP. She also contributes to medical education and research, promoting rural medicine as a fulfilling career. Dr Mizzi encourages aspiring doctors to pursue rural generalism early in their careers, emphasising the unique opportunities in smaller communities for personal and professional growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was in the midst of her idyllic country childhood that Associate Professor Kerin Fielding decided to become a doctor — particularly a surgeon. Now a Visiting Medical Officer at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, Prof. Fielding is a prominent orthopaedic surgeon, the first woman in NSW to qualify as one and only the third female president of the Royal Australiasian College of Surgeons. In this episode she also describes her other great passion. A Paris-trained cordon bleu pastry chef, Prof. Fielding also runs her own patisserie. She shares insights into her experiences in rural medicine, the rewarding moments she's encountered, and the importance of mentors in her career. Prof. Fielding also highlights the significance of work-life balance in a rural setting and offers valuable advice to aspiring doctors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A devoted medical student who was raised in a tiny, tight-knit community, Marni McFarlane is living her dream in outback NSW. In this episode, Marni shares her journey from a rural upbringing on the Eyre Peninsula to pursuing a career in medicine. She didn't initially consider becoming a doctor until a teacher mentioned it, and she decided to take the leap. Marni talks about her pathway to medical school, her challenges with financial support, and the importance of achieving a work-life balance. She highlights the value of keeping your options open and speaks lovingly about living and working in Broken Hill. With a heart firmly rooted in the country, Marni hopes to return to her rural community one day and help address the shortage of doctors there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Nadee Assiriyage was always going to be a Doctor. As a little girl growing up in Sri Lanka she went everywhere with her own ‘doctor's kit' so she was always available to perform emergency surgery on her dolls. In this, often humorous, episode, we follow Dr Assiriyage on her inspiring journey from South Asia to a medical school in Adelaide, and then her newfound life in regional Whyalla. A passion for rural medicine is evident as she shares her experiences, from finding her place in a tight-knit community to her unique role as the Director of clinical training in her new forever home. She also offers terrific advice to junior doctors keen to embrace the versatility and close patient relationships a regional position can bring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broken Hill, with its wide-open spaces and desert sunsets, is certainly Dr Ian Carey's ‘happy place'. Dr Carey's journey to medicine was influenced by his parents, both doctors, and his early experiences living in Alice Springs. However, it was a transformative overseas health internship that ignited his great passion for medicine. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he pursued a unique pathway to medical school, eventually finding himself in the outback NSW town that he loves. He shares the challenges and rewards of practicing rural medicine, highlighting the close-knit community and the sense of purpose it offers. Ian believes that rural medicine isn't just a job; it's a way of life. His story is an inspiring one for any student or junior doctor considering a career in rural, regional, or remote medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Tara Mackenzie is an important, and influential, figure in the rural health ecosystem. As Associate Dean of Rural Health at UNSW, and a consultant respiratory physician with 17 years of experience in Wagga, Professor Mackenzie has a deep understanding of rural and regional clinical practice. In this episode she shares her journey into medicine and highlights the diverse and rewarding aspects of respiratory medicine. Prof Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of choosing a career path that aligns with your passion and reminds us that it's okay not to have all the answers early in your medical career. Dr. Mackenzie's commitment to rural healthcare is evident as she discusses her love for Wagga and its close-knit and welcoming community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical student George Kirolus was sold on medicine as a youngster, when, with wide eyes, he watched the calming impact his GP father had on a family with a sick child. In this episode, George shares his journey to medicine via a rural student pathway. He discusses how medicine's combination of diagnostic skills, teaching opportunities, and community impact have resonated with him, and have been a fulfilling result of a challenging application process. He emphasizes the value of balance between study and well-being, especially in the context of being fit and able to provide empathetic patient care. George also outlines the advantages of a rural lifestyle, including a strong sense of community, easier commutes, and reduced costs of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rees Telford is a medical student on a mission to encourage others to study and work in regional and rural Australia. Growing up in Cairns and later studying on the Sunshine Coast, Rees describes how his interest in medicine was sparked while at high school by his desire for a constantly evolving career. Rees, who is the first in his family to go to university, discusses how he lucked into a valuable role as a medical scribe in an emergency department. He also delves into his third-year research project, which focuses on this podcast's impact on promoting rural general practice. Rees's recommendations for making the podcast more accessible highlight his commitment to encouraging medical students to consider rural medicine. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and advises listeners to maximize their life outside of medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lismore-based Dr Senny Surendran is a junior doctor whose path to medicine was certainly unconventional. A passionate young sportsman who started out as a physiotherapist, Senny's life took unexpected turns, including time spent teaching and playing hockey in The Netherlands and working on the Canadian ski fields. But a desire to contribute more to society led him to medical school. As a mature-age student, he faced challenges, but found his feet and made lots of new friends at the University of Wollongong, which focuses on regional, rural and remote health. Now settled in Lismore with his family, Senny enjoys the regional lifestyle, and is grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor in a regional paradise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Smith had been a pharmacist for 17 years when she decided to take on a medicine degree. But with an aversion to cities and a family firmly entrenched in regional NSW, studying in a rural area was her preferred option. In this episode, Helen offers insights into the application and selection process — emphasising the importance of thorough preparation — and highlights the advantages of working in the rural area that she loves close to her family farm outside of Dubbo. And she encourages other mature-age students to apply because life experience can help make you a better student, and a better doctor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A country girl with a passion for caring for both people and animals, Dr Kerrie Stewart says being a rural GP affords her the best of both worlds. Not only is she raising her young family on a small farm, but she gets to work in a busy job that she loves with all the choices and benefits a city GP would enjoy. Living in and working in vibrant Parkes, NSW, Dr Stewart describes the countless avenues available to rural GPs for growth, research, leadership, and mentoring, as well as how she builds meaningful relationships with her patients and colleagues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a 20-year career in radiography, Suzanne Hill moved to Parkes in NSW and had something of an epiphany. Relocating to regional Australia with her young family, Suzanne realised the best way to serve her community — and her own ambitions — was to embark on a degree in medicine. Suzanne talks about the challenges she has faced as a mature age student and mother but also about how she's finding fulfilment by engaging with the community and forming meaningful connections with people in an environment that she loves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Dayna Duncan started out pursuing psychology, but when a local GP questioned her choice, she decided to try medicine and hasn't looked back. Growing up in a small town but studying in Sydney, Dr Duncan soon found herself outside her comfort zone. But that was just the start of a remarkable journey. Thanks to a family connection in Central Australia, she decided to try Alice Springs, and soon found herself working for a unique patient population, providing healthcare in remote settings, and making a meaningful impact on the health of underserved communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senuri Pinto's studies in medicine are an example of just how exciting remote and regional placements can be. A medical student fueled by a lifelong ambition to become a doctor, Senuri says she's drawing inspiration from the emphasis her studies have placed on rural generalist and Aboriginal health. The highlights of Senuri's voyage have been her practical placements in some of Australia's most remote locations, where she's had the chance to apply her knowledge and work alongside a team to create a positive impact on underprivileged communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are your pillars of belonging? For Tristan Marino, they are his Aboriginal and Maori family, his connections to community and friends and now, medicine as well. Tristan started out studying music at a conservatory, doing simultaneous studies in nursing as a career fallback position. He says he surprised himself to find that nursing in emergency departments was more compelling, but he found it frustrating not to be able to answer his many questions about the patients, their maladies and treatments. The only answer was to become a doctor. Tristan is now happily working at the rural clinical school in the regional NSW city of Orange, in a strong and supportive team, surrounded by the sort of inclusive community for which he has always longed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Marty Ryan has certainly found his ‘happy place.” A UNSW graduate who spent the last two years of his degree on a placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, he's now very happily working as a General Practice trainee in nearby Temora, which is known by some as the friendliest town in Australia. An avid sportsman who is as at home on a bicycle as he is on a rugby field, Dr Ryan says he's so enamoured with supportive small-town life and his generalist medical career that he now can't imagine wanting to work anywhere else. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asha Heffernan was raised in Wagga Wagga, but after time spend at boarding school, a year travelling India and then another studying in Sydney, she was somewhat cautious about returning home. But it's now a decision she doesn't regret. Asha had always had an interest in pursuing medicine and was encouraged by a best friend who shared her ambition. Stumbling at the first entrance exam, she applied herself to a clinical science degree until she was accepted to medical school in the following year. Now in her second year at the Rural Clinical School back in Wagga, she is overjoyed with her choice. Not only does she get to benefit from the much wider clinical experience she is gaining, but she can also surround herself with supportive family and friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international student who was born in India and grew up in Kuwait, Karunya Subramaniyan was well into an engineering degree in Singapore when she saw a poster that changed her life. She calls it her “eureka” moment. The advertisement was calling on engineers to consider postgraduate study in medicine, a career path Karunya had always thought was beyond her reach. With extended family in NSW, she applied to, and was accepted by, the University of Sydney. After hearing glowing reports from her peers, and with fond memories of her father's rural village in southern India, Karunya chose to undertake a rural placement in Dubbo, and it lived up to her high expectations. Here, she says, she was integrated into the hospital team much faster than would have happened in a bigger city, that she felt instant camaraderie, and has experienced “heaps” of teaching and clinical experience. Her advice to any other young student — particularly international students — is to “just go for it,” because rural placement is something everyone should experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His parents were as shocked as they were pleased when an 8-year-old Suud Nahdi proclaimed that he was going to be a doctor, and the little boy from Tanzania grew to become the first in his family to attain tertiary education. It was while he was studying in Canada that he first became interested in faraway Australia, and it was “on a whim” that he looked up Sydney University medical school and put in an application. Several years down the track he says it was the greatest decision of his life, that his training has been far better than he expected, and that he has found somewhere he feels he belongs. Suud can't recommend an extended rural placement highly enough, because of the broad and exciting exposure he is receiving, the warmth of the people he works with and treats, and the Dubbo lifestyle he has grown to love. He says the experience is just what an “ideal” medical school training should be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Shannon Nott is emphatic in his advice for anyone considering rural GP training: he says it's an incredibly rewarding career path where you get to choose your own adventure. And adventure is something Dr Nott is familiar with. A Churchill Fellowship scholar who has travelled to some of Earth's most remote places to study the intersection of technology and remote medicine, he's now working as a rural generalist, often travelling to remote outback airstrips with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Training in the city, he met and was influenced by “incredible” mentors due to his involvement in the Rural Health Club at the University of NSW, and then the National Rural Health Student Network. But he also gets to quench his desire to work on policy and big projects through his role as a Director of Medical Services. He says the bush has always called to him, and he is happier in a rural environment. He now lives with his family on a property just outside of his base in Dubbo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Nicholas Ireland's journey through life to becoming a NSW Regional Doctors Network Cadet has been a long and demanding one. Expelled from boarding school in year 11, he first became a sheet metalworker on what he describes as a subsistence wage. But it was while he was working as a FIFO welder on oil rigs off the Western Australia coast that he realised he had to do something else with his life. So he quit and applied for a university foundation course and got such good marks he was accepted into medicine via a rural pathway. This boy from the bush, supported professionally and financially by the cadetship program, is now well on the way to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a rural generalist doctor, planning to settle with his wife in Dubbo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Participating on the NSW Rural Doctors Network was a “no brainer” for Dr Ariah Steel, who says she was attracted to the program because of the wide experience she'd gain as well as the financial support. Dr Steel had started out dreaming of being a presenter on a TV travel show, but after doing work experience with an orthopaedic surgeon her mind was instantly changed. Now happily ensconced in the Murrumbidgee Rural Generalist Training Pathway, Dr Steel says that, in spite of growing up in the city, she's now a complete convert to rural life due to the freedom and flexibility it has given her. In fact, she says she'll never live in a major city again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When asked what advice she'd give to anyone considering a NSW Rural Doctors Network Cadetship, Dr Kirbie Storrier is emphatic: “Do it, apply for it, 100%, right now, you should have already applied, what are you waiting for?” Dr Storrier had dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood because her farmer father, who has a chronic disease, had found it difficult to get the treatment he needed. She says she felt incredibly supported through her RDN Cadetship, where she and her partner were treated like family, and that it was an “amazing opportunity” where she gained close mentors who have continued on through her medical career. Now a psychiatry registrar at Dubbo Health Service, Kirbie says she's grateful to have been able to work with people who understood her dreams, her goals and her values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.