Did you always know you wanted to become a doctor? Tell us how this came to be.

Becoming a doctor was not something that I had initially considered. My family background was one without any medical or health related professions, and so I was naïve to what working in health care entailed or what the pathway would look like to becoming a doctor. 

My background before medicine was therefore a more philosophical and creative path, studying creative writing, philosophy, photography and videography – working at times in the family videography and sound engineering production business. I value my creative side and the role it now plays in clinical problem solving, reflective learning and in maintaining my self-care. 

Alongside this I completed further tertiary studies in criminology, legal studies and emergency leadership and management. This took me into varied roles within the criminal justice system and community services sector, where I worked with many vulnerable communities from diverse backgrounds including First Nations People and refugees. I felt deeply invested in the journeys of the people I worked with and the challenges they faced through trauma experiences, natural disasters, socioeconomic challenges, addiction, and mental health conditions. Cross-over with the health care sector was inevitable, as my interest and understanding of contributors to mental health and wellbeing developed further and eventuated in making the decision to become a doctor and specialise in psychiatry.

What inspired you to choose psychiatry as a specialisation?

I believe it is such a privilege to help and support someone when they are at their most vulnerable, and mental health consumers and their families show such resilience when faced with a resource-poor mental health system that can be re-traumatising. I have seen this first-hand through the experiences and challenges that loved ones have faced when seeking support for their mental wellbeing. 

For me, it was a very purposeful decision to specialise in psychiatry. I could see the need for increased numbers of rural psychiatrists to address disparities in mental health care delivery, I could see the need for more compassion and innovation in the delivery of mental health care, and I could see the need for strengthening of collaborative efforts to deliver truly holistic and individualised care. This strongly aligned with my professional and personal values and goals and aligned well with my professional background skillset having worked with some of the most vulnerable populations in the community. 

What’s your medium-term career vision look like? Where do you see yourself in three years?

In three years, I aspire to become an emerging leader in rural psychiatry and be an advocate for strengthening rural mental health services and training pathways to ensure a self-sustaining workforce and quality care provision. I hope to be instrumental in supporting rural trainees to have an enriching and robust training experience that will promote retention.

Outside of work, I see myself being an integral part of the community - participating in local fundraisers with my young family, competing in the local dragon boat championships, and finally having a productive permaculture set-up!

If you were talking with a RANZCP Trainee or Fellow who was contemplating moving to a rural location, how would you convince them that it would be a great decision?

I think that the lens that rural psychiatry is viewed with can be somewhat stigmatising at times, so I want to dispel the myth that rural psychiatry is something that should be avoided and instead provide a lens of passionate possibility. 

I would speak of the professional benefits such as the varied and complex clinical presentations, the rapport building with team members and community members, the sense of purpose and belonging you develop in time. I would also highlight the unique opportunities for professional growth, such as the increased amount of clinical autonomy and decision making, the exposure to outreach clinics and culturally diverse experiences, the leadership and academic roles that are more accessible than larger centres and facilitate career progression and variation. 

I would also speak to the fantastic lifestyle aspects and personal growth that comes with being a rural community member. I would also provide reassurance that there are supportive networks and resources available to enhance learning for rural practice, and that rural communities want to make you feel at home so that you will feel more invested and want to stay long term. I would say, if you have a question or concern then don’t be afraid to ask – you’ll often be surprised by the responses. 

Being rurally based gifts you a diverse and strong skillset that not only makes you a sound clinician, but it makes you innovative and integrative - being rural has fostered my resourcefulness, problem solving, adaptability, collaboration and communication skills and given me the confidence to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to my community.

Whether seeking a remote opportunity in the red centre, classic outback country plains, alpine serenity, rainforest exploration or coastal seclusion – there are rural landscapes for everyone. 

Self-care is important for psychiatrists training and practising in a rural location. What’s your top three ways to look after your wellbeing?

1. Staying connected with family and friends – working in a rural location can be very isolating if you let it be, so having an awareness of this and ensuring that there are regular ways to connect with family, catch up with friends or connect with the local community is super important to maintain wellbeing. Making time every day for little moments with family, like a shared meal or a walk, and getting out to community events and making new connections can help enhance a sense of belonging and provide the human connection we need. And don’t forget about technology – using video calls can be a great way to stay in touch with family and friends that don’t live locally.

2. Having regular down time doing things that I love – work life balance is so important, think about how you want to structure your time and seek out flexible working arrangements where available, such as earlier start or finish times that can enable you to take time out to do a hobby or join in an activity after work like the local boot-camp, walking group, artist co-op, local music group or sports team events – or just some down time at home doing what you enjoy. I love learning about all things sustainability at the local community garden workshops, going for a hike, taking my young family for a dip at the local swimming holes, hopping into a dragon boat session or just relaxing at home playing guitar.

3. Seeking extra support when I need it – recognising your own limits and knowing when to ask for support and how to get that support. Whether it is the workload, training, workplace challenges or personal challenges, it helps to know yourself well and be able to access resources and reach out to your network for support. Whether that is speaking to a senior clinician at work, tapping into the workplace wellbeing services, online doctor support services, or applying for some leave to take a break with family and recharge – there are many ways to ensure that you feel supported and refreshed when needed and prevent burnout. Also, making sure you have a good GP that you see regularly is essential to maintain wellbeing in the long term.