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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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