When considering and imagining what my career might become, as I moved from being a Medical
Student, to a junior doctor, and then to my chosen speciality in medicine, I could visualise many things. The ability to help
a wide variety of patients, to help local communities, to become part of that community as a respected source of advice and
guidance, the ability to meet many different medical challenges, these all formed part of my overall picture. Little did I realise that
many years later, I could achieve many of these objectives by becoming a General Practitioner, working in a rural location, in
Australia.
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Rural General Practice is my version of an "ideal GP", having worked in a rural area for a
number of years, I feel great pride in the fact that I was able to experience this ideal. Other family concerns and issues, lead
me to move back to a city lifestyle, after 6 years, but I like to think that I will return to the country in some capacity, in the
future. There are many challenges that face those that wish to work in the country, but the rewards are great for those that can be
'enabled' and helped along the way. The RACGP and the National Rural Faculty's role in facilitating this, can never be underestimated.
Our rural colleagues will always require extra resources and support from the College, for many reasons, not least the great distances
that Australians cover. This support and encouragement will always remain high on my desired agenda.
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I have not only worked in a rural location, but have tried to keep my ties to the country, with
a number of my AGPAL accreditation visits occurring in rural West Australia and my keen involvement with the RACGP's part of the Remote
Health Standards work. I have also maintained connections with the Aboriginal Medical Services, again through Accreditation
and my involvement in educational events, to help practices address issues raised by the process of going through accreditation.
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I have also become involved in the Rural Heatlh West Telehealth Advisory Group and presented at their
annual conference, earlier this year.
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