Dr Prue Wallin: A Passion for Rural Medicine

For Dr Prue Wallin, medicine has always been about connection—caring for patients holistically and understanding the broader community context. A graduate of James Cook University’s second cohort of medical students in 2006, she has spent the past 19 years forging a career in rural and remote medicine across Queensland. 

Prue, who is a keynote speaker at JCU Medicine 25-year Anniversary Celebration symposium, was recently announced the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway Medical Director. This pathway provides doctors with the advanced training, skills and support needed to look after the health needs of rural communities. Prue has been a Rural Generalist Training Advisor since 2016 and is a QRGP alumna.  

A Pathway to Rural Medicine 

Prue says she was drawn to the then new JCU Medicine program, with its hands-on, practical approach to medical education and its focus on rural and remote health. “I could enrol from undergraduate, which really appealed to me,” she says. “JCU was still being built when I started, and I had a moment when I turned up for my interview of thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing?’ It certainly looked different to the Sandstone buildings of UQ. But as soon as I accepted the position, I was glad I chose JCU. It was collegiate, supportive and hands-on with a focus on rural exposure. Serendipitously all that rural time helped reinforce my future career path and that this is where I’m best suited.” 

With a Queensland Health scholarship, she became one of the inaugural rural generalist pathway trainees, completing her internship in Cairns, advanced skills training in anaesthetics in Ipswich, and working as a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) in Cooktown for several years. She recently worked for three years as the sole medical officer on Badu Island in the Outer Torres Straits, which she describes as the ‘job of a lifetime’. Recently she has relocated with her young family to the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

A Varied and Fulfilling Career 

Prue has embraced the full spectrum of rural generalist medicine, from emergency care to chronic disease management and public health. “One of the things I love about my job is the continuity of care—seeing patients when they are well, when they are unwell, and being part of their ongoing health journey. It’s caring for not just the individual but their family and their greater community,” she says.  

The variety of presentations in rural and remote settings keeps Prue engaged and constantly learning. “No two days are the same. Even after 19 years as a medical doctor, I am still being exposed to new presentations, challenges and experiences.” 

Prue is a passionate advocate for rural generalism, not just for the professional opportunities it provides but for the lifestyle and work-life balance it offers. “It’s a career that can suit all seasons of life. It’s flexible and allows for incredible diversity,” she says. 

“In my career I’ve worked in hospitals, general practice, emergency medicine, and even medical education. I’ve also had the chance to work in major tertiary centres and the remotest of clinics. It’s a job where you continue to learn and will never get bored.” 

Advice for Future Rural Doctors 

Prue encourages JCU medicine students and early-career doctors to embrace every opportunity. “Everything is a learning experience,” she says. “Even those rotations you don’t enjoy or can’t see yourself working in—those experiences will pay dividends in the future. I always had the approach that I wouldn’t say no. If I was offered the opportunity to see something or do something—with supervision, obviously—I was happy to try it. That mindset has held me in good stead.” 

For those considering rural generalism, she offers this advice: “If you like adventure, variety, being innovative, and want to invest in a community and their healthcare this is the career for you. You can never know everything, and your clinical knowledge and skills will be tested; but the key is to apply your first principles to whatever walks through the door. If you can do that, you’ll be fine.” 

Prue’s career is a testament to the impact of JCU’s rural-focused medical education and the opportunities available for doctors willing to take on the challenges—and rewards—of rural and remote practice.