UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Young rural doctor Teena Downton has become the voice of her generation in bringing better health outcomes to rural and remote communities, where services are most needed. Teena was named 2017 Rural Registrar of the Year by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.
Above: Teena Downton was drawn to a career in rural health. After growing up in Foxground, Teena now lives in Cowra. Her twin sister, who studied medicine alongside her, is now practising in the Northern Territory.
Joining the University of Wollongong’s rural health club SHARP during her studies, Downton found herself increasingly drawn to a career in rural health. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science in 2008 and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery in 2012.
importance of well-supported rural placement experiences. She encouraged her peers in medicine, nursing and allied health to consider the rewards of rural careers, and advocated to government and policymakers on incentives to help keep them there.
“When I was at university, life expectancy was said to be four years less in regional, rural and remote areas, compared to Australia’s major cities, and access to health professionals in remote areas was said to be half that of the cities,” she says.
Downton took advantage of the work experience placements offered as part of her degree to explore the diversity a rural medical career can offer. “My one-year placement as a medical student in Broken Hill provided the real test as to whether rural practice was for me,” she recalls.
Downton was stirred not only to make a difference herself, but to encourage her peers to do so too. “I personally see a responsibility for my generation of health professionals to consider how they can help close the gap between rural and urban Australia, and bring the best of care closer to the people in the bush,” she says. She became a representative on the Council of the National Rural Health Students’ Network and presented at conferences and special meetings of key bodies, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; and advocated on behalf of students and early health professionals on issues including rural student entry schemes, rural health infrastructure, and the
She relished the opportunity to be part of the close-knit remote community, and after graduating undertook her residency at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital. Born in Taiwan and raised in Foxground, Downton now calls the NSW Central West community of Cowra home. She completed an advanced skills year in obstetrics at the Orange Base Hospital. Choosing a career in rural health is something of a family affair; Teena’s twin sister Teesha – who studied medicine and surgery alongside her – interned in Wagga Wagga in country New South Wales, and is now practicing in the Northern Territory.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY
Teena promotes rural careers for new doctors —
45