Exploring the Challenges and Rewards of Rural Medicine: An Interview with Dr. Sonia Henry

At Prescript Recruitment, we’re passionate about addressing the regional doctor shortage in Australia by connecting medical professionals to fulfilling roles across the country. As part of our commitment to this mission, Ken Smith, our Senior Recruitment Partner for GP Family Medicine & AMS roles, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Sonia Henry. A respected GP, best-selling author, and advocate for health equity, Sonia has firsthand experience of the unique challenges and rewards that come with working in rural and remote Australia.

Meet Dr. Sonia Henry: Author, GP, and Advocate Dr. Sonia Henry’s journey is an inspiring one. She first captured readers’ attention with her book Going Under, a fictionalised account of her intern year that became an Australian best-seller. Her latest memoir, Put Your Feet in the Dirt, Girl, chronicles her experiences as a GP working in some of the most remote parts of Australia. Released in 2023 by Allen & Unwin, the book details her transformation from a Sydney-based doctor to a bush GP, offering a candid and heartfelt look at the highs and lows of rural medical practice.

The Conversation: Challenges, Growth, and Insights Ken Smith recently enjoyed catching up with Dr. Henry at a café in Sydney. Over a shared meal, they discussed her experiences and insights into rural medicine. Below, we highlight key parts of their conversation:

Your book touches on the unique challenges of working in rural and remote Australia. How do you think these experiences shape a doctor's professional growth and satisfaction?
Sonia: Working outside of metropolitan areas offers an entirely different experience. It broadens your medical practice as you encounter diverse presentations, including conditions like rheumatic heart disease, more prevalent in Indigenous communities. You also learn to navigate challenges such as limited access to specialists or radiology, which forces you to be resourceful. These experiences not only make you a better doctor but also a more empathetic person, offering a broader perspective on healthcare.

The regional doctor shortage is an ongoing issue across Australia. What strategies do you believe would make rural and remote positions more appealing to doctors?
Sonia: Financial incentives are important, but so is adequate infrastructure. Doctors need to know there are good hospitals, specialists, and services available, along with amenities for families. A holistic approach is needed, rather than just offering financial perks.

In your book, you share stories about the strong connections that form between doctors and their communities. How important do you think these relationships are in retaining doctors in these areas, and what can be done to nurture them?
Sonia: Building strong, personal connections is key. In isolated areas, friendships form quickly, and these relationships make the experience rewarding. But good infrastructure must back these connections to ensure doctors feel supported in their roles.

At Prescript, we aim to place doctors in roles where they feel valued and rewarded. From your perspective, what are the most significant ways to ensure doctors feel supported while working in these regional settings?
Sonia: Regular check-ins, addressing payment issues, and acting as intermediaries to resolve problems make a big difference. Recruitment agencies need to protect doctors from issues that they shouldn’t have to deal with, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

What roles do you think recruitment agencies like Prescript can play in reducing regional doctor shortages?
Sonia: Transparency from both the doctor and recruiter is vital. Clear communication about accommodation, set up, and available support ensures doctors know what to expect. Overpromising leads to dissatisfaction, so honesty is essential.

Your work advocates for improving healthcare in rural and regional Australia. If you could suggest one systemic change, what would that be?
Sonia: Increasing access to specialists is crucial. City-based specialists could be required to work on rotating rosters in regional areas, while more support for services like the Royal Flying Doctors would enhance healthcare accessibility.

What advice would you give doctors who are hesitant about working in regional Australia?
Sonia: I’d encourage them to try it. Even a two-week locum stint can offer a glimpse of what it’s like. It’s a great way to explore unique locations like the Kimberly while earning well; the experience is invaluable.

With the decline of medical students specialising as GPs, what advice would you give to attract them to general practice?
Sonia: General practice offers flexibility, travel opportunities, and part-time work, which is a huge benefit. It’s important to highlight that GPs can work across different locations, including internationally and virtually, making it a versatile and lifestyle-friendly career.

Not many people know that you are going to be having a baby soon. Do you have any tips for female doctors/GPs thinking about having kids in the future?
Sonia: I’m 38, and I froze my eggs when I was 30. This was a smart decision, especially given the lengthy training periods in medicine. General practice is particularly flexible for part-time work after having children. Even as a solo parent, you can do a two-week locum and earn enough to support yourself, possibly even bringing an au pair.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts: Dr. Sonia Henry’s experiences highlight the importance of supporting doctors in regional and remote settings and emphasise the need for strong infrastructure and transparent communication. Her insights resonate with Prescript’s mission of ensuring doctors find rewarding roles where they feel supported and valued.

Learn More About Dr. Sonia Henry’s Journey Discover more of Dr. Sonia Henry’s inspiring journey by picking up a copy of her memoir, Put Your Feet in the Dirt, Girl, available at Allen & Unwin. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the real-life experiences of rural healthcare

Connecting with Ken Smith If you are a GP looking for new opportunities across regional, rural, or remote Australia, or if you’re a health service in need of skilled medical professionals, reach out to Ken Smith for tailored recruitment solutions.

Contact Ken Smith:

• Email: ken@prescript.com.au

• Phone: 0433 701 212

• Book a Call: Book a call with Ken

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'