For many rural communities across Western Australia, GP locums are lifelines. But for the locums themselves, the experience can be just as important. Whether they’re seeking clinical challenge, cultural connection or a renewed sense of purpose, locums often find that rural practice offers something no other role can.
“Love!!! Working in AMS in rural and remote WA,” says Dr Aleeta Fejo, a locum GP who has worked right across WA.
“The workplace is challenging, because every location is different. The medicine is complex and will definitely challenge you as a clinician. But the staff are wonderful and appreciative – and the patients, they’re just beautiful people. You’ll feel the spirit of the country as you help the people of that country. This is what medicine and helping others is all about. Just go for it!”
That spirit of connection is echoed by Dr John Broderick, who began locuming in WA 17 years ago, well beyond the 5–7 years he originally intended.
“Working in community-controlled Aboriginal Health Services reinvigorated my sense of purpose. The need for care is enormous, but the clients and staff were a joy to work with. I felt appreciated and, on location, was given the rare privilege of being an honorary local,” he reflects.
“Some clinics I kept going back to, and in doing so, even as a ‘wandering locum’, I got to experience continuity of care.”
He credits the Rural Health West GP locum team, past and present, for consistently supporting his work.
“It’s a true testament to the organisation that the standard has remained so high all these years.”
