A day in the life of a rural doctor
What’s in this article
5 minute read
Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a rural doctor in Australia? From early clinic rounds to late-night emergencies, their stories are raw, real, and inspiring.
From morning clinics to midnight emergencies, this blog reveals the heart of rural medicine.
In the heart of Australia’s vast and varied landscape, rural doctors are more than just healthcare providers—they are lifelines. At Rural Doctors Foundation, we know what it’s like to live and work in remote communities. We’re not flashy or polished. We’re real people, doing real work, in places where healthcare is needed most.
Morning: From clinic to community
The day often starts early. For doctors like Dr Katie Chang, who runs a GP practice in Charleville with her husband Paul, mornings are a mix of clinic appointments and community care. They’ve built their practice from the ground up, offering everything from immunisations to mental health support in a town where access to services is limited.
In rural medicine, no two days are the same. You might be:
- Treating a child with a high fever
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- Providing antenatal care to expectant mums
- Supporting patients through grief or trauma
- Fixing fractures or curing skin cancers
If you or someone you know needs support in a rural area, reach out to us. We’re here to help.
Midday: Challenges faced by rural GPs
Lunch is often a sandwich between patients. The phone rings constantly—someone needs advice, a nurse is calling from a nearby town, or a patient needs urgent care.
Challenges faced by rural GPs include:
- Limited access to specialists and diagnostic tools
- Long travel distances for both patients and doctors
- Professional isolation and burnout
- Navigating cultural sensitivities in diverse communities.
- Finding care for your own health needs when you know everyone in your town. And the next one!
Dr Cam Hollows, who works in emergency care, knows this all too well. He’s seen the impact of climate events on community health and the strain it places on rural services. His work reminds us that rural doctors must be ready for anything—from floods to fires to mental health crises.
Want to support our mission? Donate today and help us bring care where it’s needed most.
Afternoon: Stories from doctors in remote communities
Real stories show the heart of rural medicine. Dr Vidhushan (Vid) Paheerathan once dreamed of being an astronaut. Today, he’s a rural doctor making a difference in communities that need him most. His journey from dreamer to doctor is a powerful reminder of the passion that drives rural healthcare.
These are stories from doctors in remote communities—real, raw, and inspiring. You can hear more in our https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEc2Kjx-wVM&t=37s, where rural doctors share their lived experiences.
We’re not heroes. We’re just people doing our best with what we’ve got.
If you’re a doctor considering rural practice, get in touch. We’d love to welcome you.
Evening: The diverse role of a rural doctor
As the sun sets, the work doesn’t stop. Emergencies don’t wait for office hours. In rural and remote Australia, doctors like Dr Alex Sleeman have been first on the scene after accidents, providing critical care when every second counts.
The diverse role of a rural doctor includes:
- Emergency medicine
- Preventive care
- Mental health support
- Community education
- Advocacy for better services.
We’re often the only medical professional for hundreds of kilometres.
That responsibility is heavy—but it’s also a privilege.
We’re not heroes.
We’re just doing our best with what we’ve got.
Frequently asked questions
What is it like to be a rural doctor in Australia?
It’s challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful. Rural doctors often work across multiple disciplines and form close bonds with their communities.
What support is available for rural doctors?
Rural Doctors Foundation offers funding, resources, and peer support to help doctors thrive in remote settings.
How can I help rural healthcare?
You can donate, volunteer, or spread awareness. Every bit helps us reach more people in need.
Are rural doctors qualified for emergency care?
Yes. Many are trained as rural generalists, equipped to handle emergencies, chronic care, and more.