Moving from the United Kingdom to Wagga Wagga was only supposed to be a one-year adventure for Dr Matthew Thompson. Three years later, he’s now vowing to stay put in a position, and a regional centre, that he loves.

A young Matt Thompson decided to become a doctor as a schoolboy after being taken to emergency with a dislocated knee and admiring the physicians working around him. But as he studied and began his training in the south of England, he couldn’t settle on a speciality until he discovered how varied and interesting geriatrics could be.

He’s a strong proponent of the benefits of working in geriatric medicine, not only because of the wide skills set that is required to treat a multitude of illnesses, but also because of the variety of places and geographic locations in which a geriatrician can work. And he says he enjoys the company of his patients, who, in their advancing years, tend to be friendly and very grateful.

Moving from the United Kingdom to Wagga Wagga was only supposed to be a one-year adventure for Dr Matthew Thompson. Three years later, he&rsquo;s now vowing to stay put in a position, and a regional centre, that he loves.
A young Matt Thompson decided to become a doctor as a schoolboy after being taken to emergency with a dislocated knee and admiring the physicians working around him. But as he studied and began his training in the south of England, he couldn&rsquo;t settle on a speciality until he discovered how varied and interesting geriatrics could be.
He&rsquo;s a strong proponent of the benefits of working in geriatric medicine, not only because of the wide skills set that is required to treat a multitude of illnesses, but also because of the variety of places and geographic locations in which a geriatrician can work. And he says he enjoys the company of his patients, who, in their advancing years, tend to be friendly and very grateful.

Opportunities for a successful medical career in rural Australia are immense. The Destination Medicine© podcast library has been created to assist anyone who has thought about a career as a rural doctor to make informed decisions and navigate a rural medical pathway with greater confidence.

Each episode of this podcast series brings the story of a doctor and their journey into rural medicine. It hasn't been a straight highway for many; there have been a few bumps, U-turns and bends along the way. How did a city slicker end up living on a farm in the Riverina of NSW? And what happened to the young doctor who had a life changing moment on an isolated highway in the Northern Territory? Well, you will have to listen to find out...and there's more.

With over 23 specialities, 81 fields of speciality practice and 86 speciality titles, making career decisions can seem overwhelming for medical students and junior doctors. For some it is an easy decision, having always known the area in which they want to work, however, for others, the plethora of information and complex selection and admission criteria for training, is daunting.

Our doctors share their candid and fascinating stories so that you, the listener, can have a better understanding of what's involved in pursuing a rural career pathway. Lifestyle counts - and for those who are living in rural and remote Australia, the impact is immeasurable. 

The podcast series, 'Destination Medicine' is a collaboration between four rural NSW Regional Training Hubs - Far West, Riverina, Western and Northern NSW.

Opportunities for a successful medical career in rural Australia are immense. The Destination Medicine© podcast library has been created to assist anyone who has thought about a career as a rural doctor to make informed decisions and navigate a rural medical pathway with greater confidence.
Each episode of this podcast series brings the story of a doctor and their journey into rural medicine. It hasn't been a straight highway for many; there have been a few bumps, U-turns and bends along the way. How did a city slicker end up living on a farm in the Riverina of NSW? And what happened to the young doctor who had a life changing moment on an isolated highway in the Northern Territory? Well, you will have to listen to find out...and there's more.
With over 23 specialities, 81 fields of speciality practice and 86 speciality titles, making career decisions can seem overwhelming for medical students and junior doctors. For some it is an easy decision, having always known the area in which they want to work, however, for others, the plethora of information and complex selection and admission criteria for training, is daunting.
Our doctors share their candid and fascinating stories so that you, the listener, can have a better understanding of what's involved in pursuing a rural career pathway. Lifestyle counts - and for those who are living in rural and remote Australia, the impact is immeasurable. 
The podcast series, 'Destination Medicine' is a collaboration between four rural NSW Regional Training Hubs - Far West, Riverina, Western and Northern NSW.

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