After toying with the idea of becoming an investment banker, Daniel Van Der Merwe thought paramedicine would be the perfect mix for his personality and lifestyle. But it was during his first-year placement that Daniel had something of an epiphany. While watching a cool and calm intensive care doctor take charge of the treatment of a stroke patient he realised that he had a new ambition, and started on the path toward a medical degree. Now a final year student, Daniel has decided to stay-on after his rural placement in the NSW regional city of Orange. Having been schooled in Melbourne and having studied in Sydney, Daniel now says he’s keen to stay away from big cities. He says it’s like a homecoming, taking him back to a simpler time as a child growing up in regional parts of South Africa.

After toying with the idea of becoming an investment banker, Daniel Van Der Merwe thought paramedicine would be the perfect mix for his personality and lifestyle. But it was during his first-year placement that Daniel had something of an epiphany. While watching a cool and calm intensive care doctor take charge of the treatment of a stroke patient he realised that he had a new ambition, and started on the path toward a medical degree. Now a final year student, Daniel has decided to stay-on after his rural placement in the NSW regional city of Orange. Having been schooled in Melbourne and having studied in Sydney, Daniel now says he&rsquo;s keen to stay away from big cities. He says it&rsquo;s like a homecoming, taking him back to a simpler time as a child growing up in regional parts of South Africa.

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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