Destination Medicine Podcast

Dr Morgan Neasey grew up in rural northwest Tasmania, far from any clear pathway into medicine. First in her family to become a doctor and go to university, determination and community shaped her drive to help others. After studying biomedical science in Melbourne and postgraduate medicine in Wollongong, she returned home to begin her medical career. Now, an unaccredited orthopaedic registrar in Burnie, Morgan shares how strong men...

To celebrate National Rural Health Month, we’ve reached into our archive and are replaying one of our most popular rural episodes of all time.

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’...

From Sri Lanka to small town Finley NSW. That was the path Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff and his wife took about 20 years ago. And what a journey it’s been. From becoming entrenched in the community to playing a crucial role in building the rural generalist training and single employment model, piloting this in the Murrumbidgee. This is now a nationwide model. Alam explains his journey to Australia, the passion for his wor...

To celebrate Rural Generalism becoming a recognised medical speciality, we've reached into the archive and are replaying our most popular RG episode of all time.

Dr Teena Downton's specialisation is a great example of the diversity you can have in your work, as a GP, based in the country. You may have heard of the term ‘Rural Generalist' but what does it mean and what pathway do you take to be one? In this episode of Destinat...

After starting her career as a veterinarian, Dr Amanda Fulton couldn’t ignore the calling to study medicine. At 29, she took the leap, retraining while raising a young family, and is now a trainee at Port Augusta Hospital South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. Amanda shares the challenges of stepping back into student life, the rewards of rural practice, and how she balances medicine with motherhood, teaching, and her passi...

Emily Turnbull began her career as a paramedic but over time, realised she could do more for her community by becoming a doctor. Now a fourth-year medical student at Dubbo Rural Clinical School and raised on a property in rural almost remote NSW, rural life is in Emily’s blood. So, it makes sense that she eventually wants to bring all of her skills and knowledge home, to support rural communities in need. And with the belief ...

While it might seem like medicine is for the well healed, it’s actually a course that creates opportunities for everyone. Rhi Noble, now a Junior Doctor at Lismore Base Hospital, is an extraordinary example of fighting through disadvantage, with purpose, grit, knowing exactly who she is and what she wanted to do with her life. Raised and supported, mainly by her grandmother and the LGBTQIA community of the Northern Rivers, it...

In year 9, Bradley Dovenor accidently discovered that one could study post-graduate medicine. It was revelatory and lit the flame for what would become a singular desire to get into medicine. As an introvert and self-described nerd, studying medicine at the University of Wollongong has not only given Brad the theory and skills to shine, but it’s brought him out of his shell, profoundly changing how he interacts with the world...

Jessica Mepstead gave herself two months to study for the GAMSAT.  Already working as a dietician, she chose not to tell a soul until the result – she passed! She also gained some great insight and perspective on the process. And while her drive and passion are undeniable, the workload still astounds her. Now a 3rd year medical student at Dubbo School of Rural Health, Jessica is embracing Dubbo life to the fullest, from ...

For Pippa Kensit, medicine always beckoned, especially because public health is where her heart is. A passion confirmed early on as she travelled abroad, and then through rural and reginal Australia. But it was only after becoming a nurse and going through her own back surgery, that she finally decided to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. Pippa’s story is one of incredible focus, passion and determination along an unconv...

From playing gigs in pubs to delivering babies in the Outback, Liam Halford’s journey to medicine was anything but typical. Growing up in Gawler, South Australia, with no family history in medicine, Liam discovered his passion for rural healthcare through placements in Maleny and Broken Hill. He shares how hands-on experiences, tight-knit communities, and unexpected adventures — including ambulance rides and camel races...

Growing up in rural Tasmania, Lonnie Schramm never imagined becoming a doctor — especially not in the Northern Territory. But a move to Darwin, a psychology degree and a leap of faith into medicine changed everything. Lonnie shares her unconventional journey, from self-doubt to studying medicine in Alice Springs, working with First Nations communities, building a rural health student society, and finding strength through musi...

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 be...

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 su...

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 h...

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, f...

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.” ...

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...