The amazing O&G doctors helping deliver babies in Australia's rural zones

In rural Australia, where the red dirt meets the azure sky, a special breed of heroes operates far from the buzzing metropolitans. These are the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) doctors, both full-time and locum, whose commitment to bringing new life into the world under challenging conditions is nothing short of amazing.

This article highlights these dedicated professionals and their important work in delivering babies in some of Australia's most remote areas.

"I travel a ten-minute commute to work most days but also might travel 873 km to do my outreach gynae clinic as far away as Lajamanu, a small town of the Northern Territory. We carry everything we need, including the colposcope and ultrasound, all on our little chartered plane. Our outreach service is an important piece of the puzzle of health equity, and it is a privilege to participate in it. I have learnt so much about what it means to provide woman-centered care, from our midwives who run the service to the women I get to ‘yarn’ with when I am in the community." Dr Romany Erwin - Sourced OG Magazine

With many rural and regional maternity services in crisis and staff shortages impacting service delivery on the ground, the work these heroes do is more important than ever.

Braving the distance

One of the most significant challenges facing O&G doctors in rural zones is the vastness of the Australian outback. Medical facilities can be hundreds of kilometres away from where expectant mothers live, making access to prenatal care a logistical challenge. These doctors often travel vast distances to see their patients, sometimes by road and in more remote locations, by light aircraft. Their dedication ensures that women in these areas receive the essential care they need, from prenatal check-ups to postnatal support.

Spotlight on Dr Mikayla Couch:

Dr Mikayla Couch's foray into locum work came in the aftermath of a burnout from a strenuous surgery job. Seeking to explore other fields of medicine to steer her career path, she took an Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) locum Senior Resident Medical Officer (SRMO) role in Sydney, marking her initiation into the locum world. "I was very lucky to get it," she explained.

The word "locum tenens" describes a person filling a shift for a time or temporarily taking on temporary employment. It is primarily used to describe doctors. Locum doctors do exactly that, they fill roles for a time or temporarily take the place of another. O&G positions in rural and remote communities can be filled by locum doctors, like Mikayla.

Mikayla provided this advice for other O&G doctors looking to locum:

• Take your time finding the right agency and person to work with
• The paperwork is a lot so allocate time for that
• Enjoy your locum time before you go back into training

If you are thinking about locuming and want some more advice for doctors, from a doctor. You can purchase "The Travelling Locum" here.

"The Travelling Locum" serves as a valuable guide for those contemplating the path of locum work. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, Dr Mikaya Couch provides a roadmap to navigate this journey.

Resourcefulness in the face of adversity

Rural hospitals and clinics often need more resources compared to their urban counterparts. O&G doctors working in these areas become masters of resourcefulness, making the most of limited equipment and facilities to provide the best possible care. Their ability to improvise and adapt to the situation is a testament to their dedication to their patients and profession.

Flying Obstetric and Gynaecology Service, Clinical Director, Dr Adam Bush won the Mater Contribution to Clinical Excellence, category of the Mater People Awards in 20202.

In just over a year since joining Mater, Dr Adam Bush assumed a leadership role and transformed the Flying Obstetric and Gynaecology service, staffed by Mater. He reimagined clinical care in remote Western Queensland, where healthcare was fragmented across three neighbouring services. Sourced Mater

Building trust and community connections

For many women in rural areas, the local O&G doctor is a trusted part of the community. These doctors understand their communities' cultural sensitivities and unique needs, often working closely with local midwives and Indigenous health workers. Building strong relationships based on trust and respect ensures that women feel supported throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey.

The reward of rural practice

Despite the challenges, many O&G doctors find working in rural areas incredibly rewarding. There is a profound sense of fulfilment that comes from making a real difference in the lives of women and families in these communities. The joy of bringing a new life into the world is magnified by the knowledge that, without their presence, many women would struggle to access the care they need.

"Living in a regional area has many benefits. Most regional cities have great schools, including public and private. This means it is easy to get involved with the school community at all levels. When children are involved in activities such as sport, drama or music, being in a regional area, doctor parents can often still attend these activities without being too far away from the practice and/or hospital." Dr Romany Erwin - Sourced OG Magazine

The work of O&G doctors in rural zones is a critical component of Australia's healthcare system, yet there is an ongoing need for more professionals to choose rural practice. Encouraging more O&G doctors to work in these areas is essential to ensuring that all Australian women, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality maternity care.

As we celebrate the incredible contributions of these amazing doctors, let's also recognise the broader importance of supporting rural healthcare. By investing in resources, training, and infrastructure, we can ensure that the heartbeat of the outback continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of O&G doctors and all rural healthcare professionals.