Case study  

Setting your sights on a career as a rural GP

The HETI Program will provide me with the opportunity to develop the advanced skills necessary to confidentially manage common emergencies and patients. For doctors who want to live and work rurally in NSW, this program is essential

Dr Shenoa Holliday, NSW Rural Generalist Medical Training Program, Trainee.

When Dr Shenoa Holliday first commenced medical school, she didn’t see herself becoming a Rural General Practitioner (GP). Now on the cusp of beginning her GP training she’s looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Dr Holliday said she first got a taste for rural medical practice as early as her intern years, where she found herself relishing the rural placements. However, there’s one particular moment that still sticks in her mind.

Working in the NSW regional town of Orange one afternoon, Dr Holliday recalls: “We were transporting a heavily pregnant woman who had complications to Sydney by ambulance, when it became clear the baby wasn’t waiting any longer. We had no choice but to pull off the road and into the closest rural hospital, then work alongside the team there to ensure a safe delivery.”

The exhilarating experience highlighted to Dr Holliday the diversity of rural and regional health services, which require troubleshooting and quick thinking from all staff.

“The broad skill application required of rural general practitioners, and the strong sense of community and identity in rural communities were two major motivating factors in my decision to apply for the qualification,” Dr Holliday said.

While Dr Holliday grew up in the city, she finds herself attracted to the amiability and peacefulness of country life. “The slower way of life makes country towns great places to live and work.”

Dr Holliday notes that the advanced procedural skills developed through the NSW Rural Generalist Medical Training Program enable rural people to be treated closer to home.

In addition to the lure of a country life and diverse work opportunities, Dr Holliday looks forward to the experience that awaits her as she continues in the Program.

“The Program will provide me with the opportunity to develop the advanced skills necessary to confidently manage common emergencies and patients. For doctors who want to live and work rurally in NSW, this Program is essential.”

“I’m confident that the guidance of the Program team and support network it offers will help me along my journey.”