Geraldton Hospital intern Dr Tonya Jack features in a new RCSWA series exploring the lives and aspirations of junior doctors and Rural GP Placement students from around WA.

The Geraldton 2021/2022 alumna shares her story...

Where do you hail from?

I grew up in Geraldton during primary school and Dardanup (near Bunbury) during high school. 

What/who made you consider becoming a doctor?

I’d never really considered a career in health until after I finished school. I worked in an aged care home during my gap year and that’s when I first discovered a passion for healthcare and I became interested in medicine. 

Describe your training journey so far...

I completed an undergraduate degree in Anatomy, Human Biology and Sport Science at UWA. I then started postgraduate medicine at UWA and spent my final two years of medicine in Geraldton with the Rural Clinical School of WA. I’m currently completing my internship with WACHS in Geraldton. 

Image: RCSWA Geraldton 2021 students from left, Oyinda Orundami, Ben White, Monique Haddleton, Joe Kerby, Joshua Siegert, Daniel Pelkowitz, Lara Yagmich, Sarah Benson, Amy Hall, Katie Croston, Georgia Brand and Tonya Jack.

Does the rural clinical environment match your expectations? What were the major differences you experienced in a rural setting vs metro?

Being a country girl, the rural environment was pretty familiar to me already. I’d say one of the biggest differences between metro and rural settings is that everyone knows your name in a rural hospital! This makes a huge difference when it comes to workplace culture, learning, and generally feeling more supported in the hospital. There’s also a greater emphasis on work-life balance in the rural versus metro environment. 

Do you have a speciality interest and what sparked your interest in it?

I’m interested in rural and emergency medicine, as well as sports medicine. Growing up in regional WA, I’ve always wanted to return to the country and work in various rural settings across WA. This year, I really enjoyed my ED term so I’m hoping to integrate ED training into my rural generalist training. I’ve always had a passion for sport so I’d love to incorporate sports med into my career at some stage. 

What does a typical day look like for you at work?

I’m currently on my General Medicine term so a typical day involves leaving home at 7:20am for a 7:30am morning handover, followed by the ward round with the team, then ward jobs/discharges in the afternoon. 

What is the best part of doing what you do?

I enjoy learning something new every day, working with incredibly supportive and kind colleagues, and feeling like I’m helping others every day.

Image: Dr Tonya Jack.

Do you have any professional mentors or people you look to for advice?

I’m lucky to have so many amazing mentors in my life, particularly the Rural Clinical School staff in Geraldton. They’re always there for me whenever I need advice!

Where to next for you?

After my internship in Geraldton, I’m moving to Broome for my first RMO year. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the Midwest for now but I’m excited to learn about medicine in the Kimberley!

Our Regional Training Hubs team members live in all corners of WA and connect junior doctors and medical students with experienced mentors and professional development opportunities. Find out more at uwa.edu.au/rcswa/regional-training-hubs or email [email protected]