Welcoming our new junior doctor

Alexandra will join the Ochre Medical Centre Queenstown in April, where she 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 Alexandra a few questions about herself:

Where are you from? 

England, but I grew up in Burnie.

Where did you do your medical degree? 

Right here in Tasmania, through UTAS. I spent the last 2 years of my course at the North West Regional Hospital, as I prefer rural and regional practice to city hospitals.

What made you decide on medicine as a career?

I’ve always had an interest in how things work, and biology in particular. Originally I wanted to be a vet, but after having a small sample of both lifestyles and working conditions, medicine was a better fit. I get a lot of joy out of helping people, and especially in remote practice, there are many ways a doctor can do that. 

What did you do before embarking on a medical pathway?

I spent a year studying research, and decided it probably wasn’t for me. However I’ve grown up around other medical professionals, and have been very interested in it since I was young. 

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

At this point I’m mostly considering GP and Dermatology for my future careers. I prefer outpatient work and having a close and continuing relationship with my patients. 

What specialties interest you?

I hope that I will see a diverse range of people and presentations, and have the opportunity to participate in some minor procedures and learn more about complex medication management and de-prescribing in the  GP setting. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the close-knit community, and some of the beautiful sights of the West Coast.  

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

Queenstown and the surrounding areas strike me as being small, close-knit communities with reduced access to healthcare in comparison to other places in Tasmania. I have also heard there are some of the best bushwalks and waterfalls to see in the entire state.

Have you been there before?

When I was around 12. My family took a camping trip along the West Coast for 3 weeks.

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

Hiking, gardening, and video games.