Doctor Dean McKittrick is the rock ‘n’ roll doctor, delivering healthcare and tunes across the Kimberley region.
Combining his passions for medicine and music, the Kimberley Medical Group GP registrar and The Sundowners singer and guitarist said playing in the band was a great way to unwind from work.
“Music keeps me sane,” he said. “I enjoy music as an outlet to clear my mind.
“As medicos we have a bad habit of ‘talking shop’ even on our downtime, so it can be all consuming. Playing in a band is a great way to relax and unwind for me – I make a point to use music as a circuit breaker.”
Dean completed an internship at Fiona Stanley Hospital before starting his residency with WA Country Health Service and is now undertaking his Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP) training with emergency medicine as an extended skill component.
He credits the rural exposure he received at university for his interest in rural medicine.
“The University of Notre Dame Australia has a great curriculum for rural medicine and, there were plenty of opportunities for exposure whilst studying,” he said.
“Rural medicine is equal parts challenging and rewarding, and I love the fact that you know your community and they know you.
“Although this can be a double-edged sword, if you know how to navigate it, it’s unique and can give you a real sense of connection.”
Dean said working in a country environment exposed him to a range of opportunities.
“As a resident, I have scrubbed in as a surgical assistant many times, placed PICC lines, improved my bedside ultrasound skills, completed lumbar punctures and resuscitations under supervision,” he said.
“These are not possible in tertiary centres unless you are a registrar and committed to a training pathway.
“The exposure you get working in a rural team is second to none.
“Our district medical officers want you to give things a go, they are keen to teach and eager to pass on their skills and knowledge, they are all legends.”
As are his bandmates, one of whom he met through his time at Broome Hospital.
“I picked up my first guitar at 14 and have been in a few bands throughout high school; my family is musical so it’s always been a part of my life,” he said.
“The Sundowners was originally a two-piece band and I first met Marc (percussion) through his wife Rebecca who was also a resident medical officer at Broome Hospital at the time.
“We immediately clicked over our similar taste in music and when he said he was a drummer we started jamming as a bit of fun.
“Adrian (lead guitar) joined us only a few months ago and is travelling around Australia from Queensland, but the Broome bug got him too and he’s sticking around for a bit.”
The band play covers including classic pub rock singalongs and can be found playing gigs at Matsos Brewery, The Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome Fishing Club, Roebuck Roadhouse, Cable Beach Club and the Mangrove Hotel. Most recently, they played to health professionals in the region celebrating the end of 2021 as part of the Kimberley Health Professionals Network (KHPN) Christmas sundowner.
“The KHPN team have also been great and so supportive. The networking events are great opportunities to link in with your fellow healthcare workers and grow from your usual teams there
are heaps of interesting people working in small communities,” he said.
Outside of work and band life, Dean lives on Broometime, relaxing with mates and enjoys camping and a spot of fishing.
“I’m a country kid through and through so my plan was to always head back to the country and I cannot recommend it enough.
“I have made many lifelong friends and have had so many fabulous mentors. The seniors we work with are not only committed to providing the best healthcare for their patients, but also want you to learn and are happy for you to get stuck into procedural skills.
“If anyone is flirting with the idea of a stint in a rural location – go for it.”
“I have the fortunate bonus of living in a holiday destination and for me personally, Broome is the perfect location.”
“My original contract for Broome was six months – but like many others, that was now three years ago.”