On the road with the Deadly Heart Trek: Dr Lucy Law on cardiac care in remote Australia Combining clinical expertise with a passion for equity in healthcare, Dr Lucy Law is a cardiac sonographer whose work spans some of the most remote communities in Australia. Based in Canberra and travelling regularly to the Northern Territory, she supports projects such as the NEARER SCAN initiative and the Deadly Heart Trek, providing lifesaving cardiac screening and education in Indigenous communities. Lucy shares how collaboration, cultural connection and innovation are helping to close the gap in access to cardiac ultrasound for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across rural and remote Australia. Can you tell us a little about your current role as a cardiac sonographer and where you are based?
After completing my PhD and returning to Australia, I aimed to work in Indigenous health, particularly rheumatic heart disease (RHD). In 2023, I volunteered as an echocardiographer for the NEARER SCAN (Non-Expert Acquisition and Remote Expert Review of Screening Echocardiography images from Child and AnteNatal clinics) project (Jones et al., 2024) run by the Menzies School of Health Research. This led to roles as a research officer on this and related projects and as an echocardiographer with a private company serving remote communities in the Top End and Central Australia. I’m based in Canberra and regularly travel to the NT.
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Early morning commute Mparntwe (Alice Springs) to Kaltukatjara (Docker River)
What does your work usually involve, particularly in rural and remote communities?
Before a trip, I pack personal items, the portable machine, and other equipment. The next morning often starts early for a flight or a long drive. On arrival, I meet the clinic manager, set up my space, and discuss the day’s workflow with the clinic staff. Workflow often relies on word of mouth, patient availability and transport options, as well as community business. For screening, if appropriate, we may visit homes and schools with hand-held ultrasound gear, always guided by cultural liaisons and local health staff. Trips last 1–5 days. All scans are reviewed remotely, with cardiology support available by phone. How did you first become involved in the Deadly Heart Trek, and what drew you to participate?
Deadly Heart Trek (DHT) was conceived and is currently led by a group of inspirational clinical and academic individuals with extensive experience in First Nations health provision and advocacy, with whom I have had the privilege of working during my time in the NT. My firsthand experience seeing the lack of resources, meeting the people this affects, as well as witnessing the wide range of avoidable consequences this has for First Nations health outcomes, motivates me to want to use my skill set, passion and privilege to be part of a