Destination Medicine Podcast

ENCORE: This Thank a First Responder Day, we proudly replay this episode, celebrating those who serve and support our communities every day. Soaring to the heights of rural and remote medicine — and not just in RFDS planes — Dr Jessica Martyn has enjoyed an extremely varied and exciting career. Dr Martyn, who is now the Head of Unit at the Port Augusta Hospital Emergency Department, has a passion for emergency medicine and regional healthcare that was shaped by her unique upbringing, hands-on medical placements, and early career experiences. From growing up with a search-and-rescue pilot father to working in Alice Springs, Jess shares how the challenges and rewards of rural medicine have fuelled her commitment to regional communities, and how living and working outside the city offers unmatched opportunities and lifestyle benefits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a farm in remote WA to becoming a rural anaesthetist in Tasmania – Deb Wilson’s path was anything but straight. She describes growing up in a family that prioritised education, reveals how a reluctant start in anaesthetics became her calling, and how she balances front-line care, and mentorship in one of the most beautiful corners of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 passion for dance. Her story is one of courage, adaptability, and commitment to community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 was this group of people that formed her community, helped her grow and believe in herself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the number of opportunities in her clinical study program to the incredible lifestyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.