Dr Leah Dunne spent her post graduate resident year working at Western Health in Melbourne when she was sent on a Pre-vocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) rotation to Federation Clinic in Wodonga. It was there that she was inspired by two GP Obstetricians who defined her career as a GP Obstetrician. After her resident year, Leah headed up to the Northern Territory where she undertook a Diploma of Obstetrics at the Royal Darwin Hospital but completing her course was a challenge.
Leah was drawn to return to Wodonga to commence her GP Training. She loved the small rural GP and Health Service environment. “I was aware that the Obstetric unit was particularly well run and offered local GPs the opportunity to be involved in intrapartum care”.
With the support of RWAV in obtaining funding through the Consolidation of Skills program, Leah was rostered as a supernumerary member in an Obstetric unit to complete her requirements. “RWAV has made the completion of my Dip Obs possible” says Leah, grateful for the ongoing support she has received from RWAV. “RWAV is a tremendous asset for rural GP’s to be able access help and funding”.
“I ride my bike to work in 10 minutes. I can be out of town on a beautiful hike in under 30 minutes. We have a house with a large garden (some people’s nightmare, my little bit of heaven!). My husband and I are both in public jobs and we enjoy being a part of the community” summing up her experience working in a rural environment where she feels her contribution goes a long way.
Leah’s future is mapped out as she looks forward “to continue to work in rural and remote health care. I am currently working with the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service and would like to consolidate my clinical practice working with Aboriginal women in particular and families in general. Additionally I would like to develop skills in epidemiology and health planning alongside my clinical role.”
A range of opportunities for GPs to advance or consolidate their skills are available across rural and regional Victoria. If you are interested in a placement or would like further information on the RWAV’s Rural Medical Workforce Program, please contact the Team Leader Workforce Skills Extension on 03 9349 7800.
