Love leads to regional adventure

Today, the junior doctors are based in Bundaberg. And they’re loving the rural career experience and lifestyle opportunity of the Wide Bay Region – one of three UQ Regional Training Hubs, alongside Southern Queensland and Central Queensland. 

The Regional Training Hubs aim to retain medical graduates to continue their work in rural and regional areas. If Libby and Mitch are anything to go by, the hubs are proving very effective.

Although they originally applied to undertake their fourth year in Toowoomba, when Mitch was posted to Bundaberg, Libby decided to give the town a go too.

Stepping off the Tilt Train, they found their fourth year as students at the UQRCS Bundaberg remarkably positive.

“We encountered great support and professionalism, and had opportunities to be involved in aspects of medicine you wouldn’t usually get the chance to in cities,” says Mitch. “There were smaller group sizes, greater diversity of cases and we had the opportunity to assist with surgeries.”

Their study experience and the friendships they formed motivated them to request to stay in Bundaberg. Both Libby and Mitch are currently Resident Junior Doctors at Bundaberg Hospital.

Libby is pursuing paediatric training while Mitch undertakes a six-month Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Mitch plans to start his General Practice education and training in 2019.

The couple say Bundaberg now feels like home. They’ve set up house within walking distance of Bargara Beach, regularly enjoying sunrise beach walks with their adored puppy, Penny.

When asked where the future may lead, Libby momentarily ponders. “Close to a regional hospital for me to pursue paeds,” she says. “And somewhere I can undertake general practice,” adds Mitch.

As they continue to pursue their dreams, Libby and Mitch are walking and talking testaments to what rural, regional and remote medical education can offer both the doctor and the community.