It's not as likely that medical graduates choose to work in regional areas, says Bomaderry-raised doctor Katie French, but returning home to practise was a no-brainer for her.
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"It's always been a goal to come back (home) and practice in the field I've chosen," said Dr French.
"Going to Sydney to work is not something I would even entertain."
Dr French grew up in the Shoalhaven, where she attended Bomaderry High School and was well-known for being involved in a number of sports, often representing the region at high levels.
After studying a Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology at the University of Wollongong (UOW), she moved on to a Masters of Medical Research.
But Dr French missed the clinical side of working with people.
"I was in research before studying medicine, doing Alzheimer's research, and I really wanted to connect the two," she said.
"So to be able to look at things from first principles and biological level, but then to see patients in a clinical field."
Passionate about the field of aged care, Dr French went back to study when the Graduate Medicine program opened at the Shoalhaven Campus and completed her training locally, too.
"It was a challenge to complete all the training down here," said Dr French.
"But I think it has really set a precedent that other doctors can train locally. And hopefully we'll have more specialists that train locally, including general practitioners."
Dr French is now a specialist in geriatrics at Shoalhaven Hospital, and recently opened South Coast Specialist Health Care alongside fellow geriatrician Dr Tabitha Hartwell, which aims to provide a multidisciplinary centre focused on the wellbeing of the region's elderly.
Dr French said the regional doctor shortage is an "ongoing struggle" but said herself and Dr Hartwell work with UOW to promote the Shoalhaven as an attractive place to live and work.
"We are both actively involved at the university and are really trying to advertise and show this is a good life down here, there are options, you can go into a private practice here," she said.
"And there are specialties that will enable you to do all that training.
"For me, it was always the plan to study locally and stay local."
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
