How JCU Medicine paved a rural and regional path for Dr Girgenti

Having grown up in Ingham with a passion for improving outcomes for rural and regional Queenslanders, JCU’s fledgling Medicine program was the perfect fit for Dr Kaylene Girgenti.

As part of JCU’s first ever Medicine cohort, Dr Girgenti has since carved herself a dynamic career, spanning General Practice, emergency medicine, and women’s health. From Townsville to Magnetic Island and up to Karumba, Dr Girgenti’s work is diverse and challenging – just the way she likes it. 

“We were a small cohort being the first intake, which meant that we were all very close and forged lifelong bonds that have stood the test of time. Not only were we close with fellow students, but we also had great relationships with our faculty staff, and I have such great respect for what they all did for us,” Dr Girgenti says, reflecting on the education and unique experiences during her time at JCU. 

JCU’s emphasis on adaptability and innovation was evident from day one, she says, with the students quickly jumping on board, learning to navigate challenges with resilience. 

“With no official buildings and a curriculum that was being tested on the fly, we learned to be flexible, to accommodate, and to innovate—hopefully, those traits have stuck with us over the years,” she says. “We learned that leadership is about teamwork and supporting one another. I hope that I have been a worthy mentor to the younger generations of medical students and trainees in the years since I graduated.” 

JCU Medicine was founded with a mission to train doctors dedicated to serving rural and regional communities—a vision that resonated deeply with Dr Girgenti, who had always envisioned a future in rural medicine, with JCU only reinforcing that commitment. “Attending JCU further cemented the decision and allowed for some really positive placements in some amazing locations,” she says. 

Today, Dr. Girgenti enjoys a diverse and dynamic medical career. She works part-time as a general practitioner at Bushland Beach, spends one day a week in the Mater Emergency Department, and contributes to the High-Risk Antenatal Clinic at Townsville University Hospital. She also provides emergency care on Magnetic Island one weekend per month and travels to Karumba to offer Women’s Health and GP outreach services. “Throw in the odd theatre assisting session, and my work is diverse enough to keep things interesting while making sure my skills across a broad range of areas are kept up to date,” Dr Girgenti says. 

And Dr Girgenti says impact of JCU Medicine on regional healthcare is undeniable: “Just looking at my cohort alone – we have an Anaesthetist, Radiologist, Oncologist, Paediatric Endocrinologist, Urologist, GPs, a sports physician and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, all who have returned to work in Townsville. Not to mention the cohorts who have followed over the last 20 years.”  

As JCU Medicine prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Dr Girgenti feels an immense sense of pride and excitement. “I am so excited to be attending the anniversary. Both to connect with colleagues and friends, and to hear all about how far we've all come, as well as to learn about just how amazing JCU has been for regional, rural, and remote medicine within Australia. I am so proud to be one of the first graduates from JCU and I'm looking forward to celebrating this momentous milestone.” 

25 years of impact, innovation, and excellence in regional and rural healthcare! ?? Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone for JCU Medicine. Let's reflect on our journey and?honour the students, alumni and supporters who have shaped the future of medicine in northern Queensland. More information here: JCU Medicine 25 year Anniversary Celebration | NQRTH 

This event is sponsored by North Queensland Regional Training Hubs and Private Emergency Health Australia, Mater, IPN (Sonic), Aurora Healthcare, AVANT, RACGP.