When Haydn Clancy gave up teaching in Melbourne to start a new adventure, he didn’t think he would end up practising medicine in the Pilbara.
No stranger to regional life, Haydn grew up in rural Victoria, completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine at Melbourne University before obtaining his Master’s in teaching.
“I taught for a few years before going back to study medicine at The University of Queensland, then decided to make a change and head to WA,” he said.
Part of that change saw Haydn secure an internship at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, which led him to Karratha Health Campus.
“My first two rotations as a ‘Charlies’ intern have actually been at Karratha Health Campus,” he said.
“I was on the ward for 11 weeks with general medicine and now finishing my time here in the emergency department for 10 weeks.
“It’s been an excellent experience with lots of practical and hands-on learning.”
During his time with general medicine Haydn said he had been exposed to a wide range of things, that he possibly would not have seen this early in his training had he been in the city.
“I’ve learnt many things, including being hands-on in motor vehicle accident trauma situations, perfecting my placement of plaster casts for fractures and dealing with a variety of patient demographics and needs.
“I’ve also dealt with patient expectations, because being rural it can sometimes limit your options compared to the city.
“But I think this training is a great idea to expose more junior doctors to the challenges of rural medicine.
“It really helps people understand the factors that affect health care in a rural setting that are often overlooked if you only practise at a tertiary hospital.”
Immersing himself into life in the Pilbara, Haydn said he was enjoying the outdoor lifestyle and exploring everything the region had to offer.
“The Pilbara is an amazing place for fishing, boating and camping with amazing national parks and waterholes right at your doorstep,” he said.
“To be able to practise medicine, make a positive impact on the community and be able to see and explore the great outdoors has been a wonderful experience.”
Haydn said anyone thinking of trying a career in rural WA should dive in headfirst.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of trying to do it – 100 per cent.
“It’s been great here, I’ve been going to trivia with the other junior docs and really enjoyed the time up here!
“Time flies and it feels like yesterday that I was beginning my placement.
“I have learnt so much and have been able to see and do so many things; it’s hard to believe my 21 weeks are nearly up.”