Kimberley doctor says there's no limit to upskilling in rural practice

Dr Yehuda Levy is a District Medical Officer (DMO) Proceduralist working in the Kimberley region for the WA Country Health Service (WACHS).

Originally from Brisbane, Yehuda studied medicine in Perth before taking rural placements with WACHS in Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Bunbury. He went on to study anaesthetics and emergency medicine in Perth before relocating to the Pilbara and then Broome.

"When I first started working for WACHS something I noticed about rural practice was the fact that there are a lot less specialists," Yehuda said.

"In the city everyone is highly specialised but, in the country, you get to try your hand at everything which is both challenging and rewarding. It's kind of like being a handy man if that makes sense? You never really know what you will be presented with next.

"Those early years with WACHS really cemented my decision to specialise in anaesthetics and emergency medicine which I may not have done if I hadn't experienced rural practice."

Yehuda has been working as a DMO Proceduralist in the Kimberley for over 11 years.

"I feel like I will never truly stop learning. I am always trying to upskill and keep my knowledge up to date and WACHS has been such a great employer in that respect. They really support professional development and provide the funding and time to make it happen.

"Working in a rural location gives you exposure to so many different fields of medicine. It has really challenged me clinically and I have been able to learn a lot from my specialist colleagues who are excellent in their fields."

In his current role Yehuda works within the Emergency Department, administers anaesthetics for surgeries and procedures, practices general medicine in the hospital wards and facilitates teaching programs with medical students and junior doctors. He says although it's busy, he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I feel very lucky to have a role which is so varied, I get to practice in all the fields of medicine that I am passionate about. No day is ever the same, I always come across something that interests me medically.

"Last week in the Emergency Department, a patient presented who had been in a bad car accident. He had punctured a lung and was having trouble breathing. Air started entering the lung and his whole body started to swell up. It was 3am and it all happened very quickly but luckily, I had a great team with me. We intubated and relieved the pressure in his lung and had a very successful outcome."

Yehuda wants other doctors to experience what it is like to work in rural medicine and encourages them to come and explore the regions within WACHS, saying there is a job for everyone.

"I would say if you're interested, just come and see if you like it! There is so much to learn, it is an exciting place to be and if you want to become a proceduralist, there is so much scope to explore the possibilities of whichever specialty interests you.

"Don't be afraid of being thrown in the deep-end, you are never alone. There are always other doctors you can refer to and an amazing telehealth system which connects you directly to a specialist with one click of a button."

To find out more about working with WACHS contact our Medical Recruitment Team or visit our living and working in country WA page. For current opportunities visit our medical vacancies page.

Alternatively join the WACHS LiveHire Medical Talent Community to be the first to hear about upcoming locum and longer term opportunities.