RFDSSE provides emergency retrieval services, primary care clinics, GPs and other health services to some of New South Wales' most remote locations.
City GPs invited to support women's health in the outback
A new GP from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) (RFDSSE) is using Women's Health Week which runs from the 7th to the 11th of September 2020 to encourage city-based health staff to consider working rurally to support the women in regional Australia.
RFDSSE provides emergency retrieval services, primary care clinics, GPs and other health services to some of New South Wales' most remote locations. Dr Mary Beth Macisaac grew up in a small country town so she understands the difficulties rural women can face when trying to get female centred healthcare.
“Having access to health checks is not easy when you're working and living in a remote area. For rural women, a female GP can be a lifeline when living far away from the city” New RFDSSE recruit Dr Macisaac said.
"Women living on the land are just expected to just get on with it. There are a lot of pressures with drought and now COVID-19 so sometimes women’s health concerns can be neglected while they are dealing with other issues.”
Dr MacIsaac holds a Diploma in Child Health and has interests in medical education, Women’s Health and Children's Health and hopes to use her skills to make a difference to the lives of rural women.
“The wonderful women of the outback need our support, so I encourage other city-based GPs to consider joining the Flying Doctor team and make a positive contribution to the health of women in remote, rural and regional communities.” Dr Macisaac said.
"Being someone that women can come to for help and confide in gives even more meaning to my work. I am happy to help, particularly when there can already be a reluctance in outback Australian culture to discuss health issues.”
In acknowledgement of Women's Health Week, Mary Beth shared her advice for good health.
“We know that women can tend to put the needs of their loved ones before themselves – but even in the most difficult times, it’s important to take care of your own health and wellbeing.
“For those who may have missed a doctor’s appointment in the past months, Women’s Health Week serves as a valuable reminder – call your GP and book that appointment today."
Mary Beth is just one of a team of RFDS health professionals who support Broken Hill women with their health concerns. The RFDSSE section is fortunate to have many other health professionals that also provide pregnancy check-ups, and for their regular screening including Pap smears and breast checks.
RFDSSE is committed to medical education and supporting our Registrars to successfully complete the requirements of their training program and the RACGP/ACRRM examinations. We have been supervising Registrars for several years and are familiar with the training program.
Click here to apply for a role with the RFDSSE.
For more information or to discuss your interest, please contact Health Workforce Manager Kylie Peacock via email careers@rfdsse.org.au.au
