From Aerospace Engineer to Regional Medicine

Dr Heather McNeil’s path to medicine wasn’t exactly traditional.  

In fact, before she donned a stethoscope and stepped into the bustling Emergency Department (ED) at Cairns Hospital, Heather was part of a very different world — working as an aerospace engineer on military F/A-18F Super Hornet jets for Boeing Defence Australia. 

“I loved the problem-solving, the critical thinking, and the high-stress environment,” Dr McNeil says. “But I really missed the human element. I needed more connection with people, and that’s why I moved to medicine.” 

The transition wasn’t just about switching careers. It was about following a deeper calling. 

The leap to medicine 

Dr McNeil spent three years working in aerospace, but despite the fascinating work, she knew something was missing. 

“I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It didn’t get me out of bed excited to grow and improve,” she says. “Medicine is different — I go home wanting to study more and be the best doctor I can be.” 

With that mindset, Heather embarked on her medical journey, completing her training at Gold Coast University Hospital. But despite her gratitude for the experience, she felt somewhat lost in the crowd. 

“It was a massive hospital, and sometimes I felt like just a number,” she says. “When you’re on ward rounds with so many people, it’s easy to feel disconnected.” 

That’s when Dr McNeil began considering a regional move. 

Choosing Cairns: The best decision of her life 

“I spoke to several doctors who had worked regionally, and they all said the same thing — you get more hands-on experience and become a valued member of the team,” Dr McNeil explains. 

When it came to deciding where to go, Cairns stood out. 

“Everyone spoke highly of Cairns without any ‘buts,’” she says. “The tropical medicine cases, diverse patient demographic, and unique presentations in the ED were a huge draw. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life.” 

Hands-on learning in the Cairns ED 

Dr McNeil describes her experience in Cairns as nothing short of transformative.  

“In larger hospitals, you often have to fight for opportunities,” she says. “Here, you’re thrown into learning because you might be the only intern or med student on a team. You’re actively involved in patient care, and that’s where the real learning happens.”  

For Dr McNeil, that hands-on experience has included leading MET calls on the wards before the MET team arrived, inserting arterial lines, performing joint aspirations, and making smaller medical care decisions — opportunities she might not have had in a metro hospital. 

“In the ED, they’re happy for us to do procedures like plastering, joint aspirates, USS cannulas, and they also get interns involved in resus calls,” she explains. “At bigger hospitals I’ve been to, they often have dedicated plaster techs who will do the plastering so interns miss out on developing those skills, and in resus situations it’s very easy to get left out as an intern - at Cairns, they get you involved so you can learn and grow as a junior doctor.” 

This level of responsibility has been crucial for her growth.  

“Now when I get called to review a deteriorating patient or respond to a MET call, I feel far more prepared and capable,” she says. “I think that’s an important skill set to grow as a junior, and one which I may not have had the opportunity to develop as quickly in a bigger hospital.” 

Supportive community, professional and personal growth 

The supportive environment at Cairns Base Hospital has played a significant role in Dr McNeil’s positive experience.  

“The senior doctors get to know you personally and care about your growth as both a doctor and a person,” she says. “We’ll grab coffee together, sit in the sun for a break, and they’ll recommend places to visit. It’s more than just a workplace, it’s a community.”  

This sense of community extends to patient care. Dr McNeil shares a memorable story of a long-stay patient she bonded with during one of her surgical rotations.  

“They were dealing with an ongoing issue, and I really got to know them and their story,” Heather says. “I had the chance to sit with them, explain what was happening, and we even put googly eyes on one of their pieces of equipment to give them a regular laugh during their stay.”  

The patient told Dr McNeil they felt safe and supported by the treating team and was sad to leave when it came time to transfer to another hospital.  

“Moments like that remind me why I became a doctor, it’s a privilege to be able to help people through the worst times of their lives and make them feel safe,” she says.  

Life outside of medicine 

One of the biggest draws for Dr McNeil in Cairns has been the work-life balance. 

“I’m a scuba diver, so being able to dive in some of the most beautiful spots in the world is a dream,” she says. “The Tablelands are just an hour away, with waterfalls, swimming spots and hiking trails. The whole region has so much to offer — it’s stunning.” 

Dr McNeil believes that taking time to enjoy life outside of work is crucial. 

“You’re not just a doctor. You have a whole personality outside of medicine, so get out and explore the world,” she advises. “Cairns is the perfect place to do that.” 

Advice for future interns 

When asked what she would say to someone considering a regional move, Dr McNeil doesn’t hesitate. 

“Moving here was terrifying at first because I didn’t know anyone, and it felt like a big leap,” she admits. “But if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone, you won’t grow. Coming to Cairns has been the best decision of my life, and I don’t regret a second of it.” 

She encourages future interns to embrace every opportunity. 

“Say yes to every experience and don’t pigeonhole yourself too early,” she says. “You’ll grow not just as a doctor but as a person.” 

A future in Cairns 

Dr McNeil’s passion for emergency medicine and her love for Cairns make it clear where she sees her future. 

“I’d love to stay in Cairns long-term,” she says. “I may have to do some time away for specialty training, but I want to come back and make this place my home.” 

For Dr Heather McNeil, the journey from aerospace engineer to doctor has been filled with challenges and rewards. And for those considering a similar leap into regional medicine, her story is proof that the best decisions often come from taking a chance.