Welcoming Dr Zi Long Chow

Dr Zi Long Chow will join the Ochre Medical Centre Scottsdale in July where he will spend 13 weeks exploring rural medicine in a program funded by the Federal Department of Health.

The Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund is a community-based program designed to encourage more doctors to choose a rural general practice career. The program is the first of a number of programs that train, mentor and support doctors as they acquire experience in rural medicine through different stages of their training.

We asked Dr Chow a few questions about himself:

Where are you from? 

I was born in Singapore, but I have been living in Tasmania in the last 6 years.

Where did you do your medical degree? 

University of Tasmania.

What made you decide on medicine as a career?

There were many factors influencing my decision to embark on my medical journey. Ultimately, I hope to be able to contribute to the society and help people in a meaningful way. I saw medicine as a good fit for myself to fulfill that vision. I also enjoy the rigour and challenge medicine has to offer.

What did you do before embarking on a medical pathway?

I had to serve mandatory national service back in Singapore.

What do you think you will enjoy and gain from your rural placement? 

I look forward to serving the community and meeting new people. It will be a great learning experience for myself, and I hope that I will be able to value-add to the community at Scottsdale.

What specialties interest you?

I am still open to exploring the various specialties, but I am very interested in public health and cancer medicine (e.g. oncology, haematology, pathology).

What are your impressions of the region where you are going to do your rural placement?

I have never been to Scottsdale, but I had many friends who have spent time in Scottsdale and I have heard many great reviews.

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of your career? 

Some of my interests include photography, aurora chasing, reading, bushwalking, exercise and travel.