A Doctor’s Leap into Regional Medicine

Dr Rupert Dwyer’s journey is one of many examples of why junior doctors are choosing regional Queensland over metro hospitals. 

For Dr Rupert Dwyer, moving 1,300km from Brisbane to Townsville for his junior doctor years wasn’t just about a change of scenery — it was about gaining hands-on experience, career mentorship and a desire to challenge himself from day one. 

Now an RMO in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Townsville University Hospital (TUH), Dr Dwyer says the decision to train in northern Queensland has given him invaluable opportunities he wouldn’t have had in a metro hospital. 

Choosing Townsville over a metropolitan training pathway 

"Townsville offers more hands-on experience from the start of Internship, particularly in the Emergency Department and on rural medical placements," he says.  

"Interns are often given the opportunity, under guidance, to completely work up patients and refer them to the required medical specialist team. While it’s a steeper learning curve, it makes for more experienced and competent doctors." 

A graduate of the University of Queensland, Dr Dwyer found that Townsville offered unique advantages that have shaped his medical training and career trajectory. 

"I really wanted to experience something different," he says.  

"I had grown up and attended school and university in Brisbane, all within the same 5-10km radius, and I saw an opportunity at the end of medical school to change this. 

“In terms of career opportunities, I think the close contact and interactions I’ve had with more senior doctors have been invaluable in building long-term connections and receiving personal guidance about career pathways and options." 

The advantages of training at TUH 

Dr Dwyer describes his experience at Townsville University Hospital as an eye-opening transition from medical school to real-world clinical practice. 

"I had a fantastic time during my metro clinical placements at UQ, which provided me with a great knowledge and clinical skill base,” he says.  

“Working at Townsville Hospital in a regional centre has challenged me as I’ve put those learnings into practice. The experience has shown me the discrepancy in health outcomes between rural, regional, and metropolitan Australia, and combatting this has become something I’m passionate about.” 

How regional training is shaping his career  

Dr Dwyer says his time in Townsville has been pivotal in refining his focus on Ophthalmology. 

"I’m really enjoying my second term in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with an exciting and efficient team,” he says.  

“Ultimately, I intend to pursue a career in Ophthalmology, specifically Oculoplastic Surgery, and I’m getting great experience here in Townsville. 

"Around 90% of all visual impairment and blindness in Australia is preventable if identified early, and my passion for Ophthalmology stemmed from my experiences in Townsville. I’ve seen first-hand in the Emergency Department and on the ward the disparity in eye health and overall health outcomes that correlates with rurality in Australia. 

"Working toward this goal in Townsville has given me the opportunity to personally interact with inspiring specialists who are working to change health outcomes through patient-centred care and various rural community outreach programs. I hope to one day join them in this endeavour." 

The Townsville lifestyle  

Outside of work, Townsville has offered Dr Dwyer an unexpected and welcome change of pace compared to city life in Brisbane. 

"The sense of community you experience working and living in Townsville is not something I’d previously experienced in my metro training,” he says. 

“The Junior Doctor cohort is quite tight-knit, and I’ve definitely made lifelong friends that I wouldn’t have otherwise met.” 

He also enjoys the fact that everything is easily accessible.  

“It no longer takes me 40 minutes of peak-hour driving to get to and from work. Within a one-hour drive from Townsville, there are multiple places to go hiking, walking, and swimming in the Australian bush. Magnetic Island, which is just a short ferry ride away from the city, is also one of my favourite places to relax." 

Advice for doctors considering a regional move 

For junior doctors thinking about moving to a regional area for training or specialisation, Dr Dwyer has one piece of advice - “go for it”. 

"I couldn’t recommend a move regionally for training or specialisation highly enough,” he says.  

“When I was younger, I always thought I would be one of those people who spends their whole life in the city. Having taken the step to move regionally has shown me how much more of Australia, and the world, there is to explore. The life experience I’ve gained in the last year has been phenomenal. My advice to other doctors considering a regional move would be to go for it!"