Meet Dr Sasha Jones, Dr Jones is Rural Champion and psychiatry registrar based in the Northern Territory who believes some of the most meaningful mental health work happens far from major cities. She has trained and worked across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including remote practice in the East Kimberley and outreach work across West Daly and West Arnhem.

Dr Jones' rural psychiatry journey began as a locum senior registrar with the Kununurra Mental Health Service, travelling between remote communities and working alongside Aboriginal patients, families, and local health workers. Dr Jones is actively involved in teaching and trainee support, with particular interests in mentorship and creating sustainable rural training pathways.

Did you always know you wanted to become a doctor?

No, not at all. I never set out to pursue a career in medicine and initially enrolled to study law at university. As the first doctor in my family, medicine wasn’t something I had grown up seeing as a possible or obvious career path.

After finishing school, I took a year off and travelled solo, which gave me time and space to reflect on what I really wanted from a career. During that time, I realised I wanted work that allowed me to help people, advocate for others, travel, and be continually challenged. I eventually found my way into medicine almost by chance, but it was when I discovered psychiatry that things truly clicked—I finally felt certain I had found the right path.

What inspired you to choose psychiatry as a specialisation?

Psychiatry appealed to me because it allows the time and space to truly listen and care for the whole person—their story, culture, relationships, and community, not just their symptoms. I was drawn to the privilege of supporting people through periods of distress, uncertainty, and recovery.

I’m particularly motivated by psychiatry’s role in advocacy, especially for people from culturally and socially disadvantaged backgrounds who are often under-heard within the health system. Working in rural and remote settings has reinforced this, where mental health care is closely tied to culture, community, and access.

I’ve also been deeply inspired by the psychiatrists I’ve worked with along the way. Learning from clinicians who lead with compassion, curiosity, and respect has shaped the kind of psychiatrist I hope to become, and continues to confirm that psychiatry is the right fit for me.

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

Over the next few years, I hope to continue developing as a rural generalist psychiatrist while remaining closely connected to remote and First Nations communities. I see myself contributing to outreach models of care that support continuity, cultural safety, and strong, long-term relationships with communities.

Alongside clinical work, I want to remain actively involved in rural training pathways through teaching, mentorship, and support for trainees considering rural practice. I’m particularly interested in contributing to sustainable rural services that support both clinicians and communities, and in helping make rural psychiatry a career that is not only impactful, but also sustainable over time.

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 would tell them that rural psychiatry offers experiences and opportunities you simply don’t get elsewhere. You develop broad clinical skills, meaningful autonomy, and strong working relationships with both communities and colleagues. The work is varied and challenging, and you’re often able to see the impact of your care more directly.

While rural practice does come with challenges, the support is often exceptional, and there is a strong sense of shared purpose. I’d also reassure them that rural work can be flexible and compatible with different stages of life, including having a young family. For many people, it becomes not just a career move, but a deeply rewarding professional and personal experience.

And if that hasn’t convinced them, I’d remind them that when the workday ends, rural life often means incredible fishing, hiking, camping, and the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places in Australia.

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

Staying connected with family, friends, and colleagues is essential for me, particularly when working in rural and remote settings. Making the effort to maintain those relationships helps me feel supported and grounded.

I also prioritise time outdoors and staying physically active, which is one of the things I love most about rural life. Spending time with my cocker spaniel and exploring the beautiful Northern Territory with my toddler—teaching him about nature and the world around us—helps me slow down and stay present.

Finally, I’m intentional about setting boundaries around rest and reflection. Protecting time to recharge allows me to remain engaged, balanced, and able to care well for both my patients and myself.