Dr James Allin is a Rural Generalist with an advanced skill in anaesthetics. He has been working on Thursday Island and the surrounding communities for nearly 6 years and values the deep community connection and continuity of care that come from being a Rural Generalist.
Before joining the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP), James spent most of his resident time undertaking surgical terms at the Townsville University Hospital, followed by a year as a Principal House Officer in the emergency department at Mount Isa where he completed an emergency medicine certificate.
James’ journey into rural generalism was greatly influenced by his wife, Tegan. ‘My wife had been a trainee with the QRGP since graduating medical school. Although I still had a flight-of-ideas about where I would end up in my medical career, her network, including the QRGP, revealed to me the great opportunities and rewards of working as a generalist for rural and remote communities.’
James joined the QRGP as a postgraduate entrant. ‘I came late to the party, but the team facilitated a smooth transition into rural generalism. Support from the QRGP is unlike anything I’ve seen offered by other programs for junior doctors. From ensuring trainees have access to a Rural Generalist Training Advisor (RGTA), to offering multiple workshops run by Rural Generalists for learning and networking with other trainees, it set the standard for helping me prepare for a career in rural medicine.’
One of 274 small islands in the Torres Strait, Thursday Island has a rich history. With an area of only 3.5 square kilometres, living and working there has offered James a rich cultural and clinical experience, and a true sense of purpose.
James also finds the connection with families in the community very rewarding. ‘Thursday Island has such a strong community and it’s really special when you’re invited to be a part of it.’
James’ role is diverse and dynamic where no 2 days are the same. ‘Each day is unique. I can be at the primary health clinic, in the emergency department, caring for hospitalised patients on the ward round, looking after people under anaesthetic in theatre, flying out to outreach clinics, or assisting on the retrieval helicopter for critically ill patients.’
James believes being a Rural Generalist on Thursday Island, like many rural sites, provides continuity of care to people across both primary and secondary settings. ‘In rural generalism you may be assisting a woman with her antenatal care, then providing pain relief or an epidural during labour, or helping to care for her whilst performing a caesarean section. To help in the delivery of a baby and then watch that child grow and reach their milestones or help reduce their pain from an injury, is very fulfilling.’
‘You may have a patient in emergency when thrombolysing their STEMI, then walk with them after they return and help them optimise their cardiac function and wellbeing to prevent re-hospitalisation. You may care for elderly patients and support them to live their lives in a way that’s most important to them. Providing comfort to them as they near the end of life but also support to their family during that difficult period is so important.’
James enjoys the collaborative environment of rural healthcare, working closely and learning from Rural Generalist colleagues, health workers, nurses, administration staff, and indeed the rest of the health care team. ‘By far the best part of life in a rural community is getting to know the people in the community and the great team at the clinics and hospitals you work in.’
Outside of work, James and his family stay connected to the community through sports and various local events, further strengthening their ties to rural life .
‘As a RG, you will be challenged in ways you couldn’t imagine but the reward is immense. Being able to help someone on their health journey, whether that’s preventative medicine in the clinic or helping them through a severe illness in hospital is, I think, the most rewarding career you could have. I guarantee you won’t regret choosing a path to live and work rurally as a Rural Generalist.’