Inaugural Broome medical graduates on why they chose to stay on as junior doctors in town

Two of the four medical students who last year became the first to graduate in the region have decided to return as junior doctors, citing the unique challenges in the region as influencing factors in their decision. Each year, 110 medical students around the State are offered the opportunity to spend their second to last year of medical school living in a rural location and training in local hospitals and clinics through the Rural Clinical School of WA. In 2021, Broome also hosted a pilot program with four students offered the chance to complete their final year of medical school in the Kimberley, becoming the first doctors to graduate in the region. Angela Park and Hannah Thompson decided to stay in the region as junior doctors, a move they said was spurred by unique opportunities and their affinity for the region. “There are so many challenges this region faces which aren’t really seen in the city or less-remote regions,” Dr Park said. “That, combined with the hands-on approach we’re so lucky to receive here, makes it a great place to get a well-rounded education in our final years and further our skills in our first years as doctors.” For Dr Thompson, the community and Kimberley lifestyle played a big factor in her decision. “Everyone at the hospital has been so supportive of all students, regardless of what stage of their degree they’re at, I couldn’t think of a more welcoming place to finish my studies,” she said. “And, I mean, it’s pretty hard to beat living in Broome.” In 2021 there were 46 doctors working across the Kimberley who were enrolled with RCSWA as students.