Dr Seth McKenna on life and learning in country WA
Growing up in Kalbarri and Geraldton, Seth never saw country WA as a place to leave behind. Instead, it was a place to return to.
That deep-rooted connection only strengthened through medical school. Starting with a John Flynn placement in Laverton, then a Rural Clinical School year in Karratha, and finally a capstone year in Bunbury, Seth took every opportunity to embed himself in WA’s vast and varied communities.
After graduating in 2022, he stayed in Bunbury for his internship year before heading further south to Albany, where he is now completing his second postgraduate year (PGY2).
Through it all, he said the experience of working in smaller, more tight-knit environments has been fulfilling.
“The sense of community is what makes rural training truly special,” he said.
“You feel like you belong - and that’s incredibly motivating.”
With eyes set firmly on a long-term future in country medicine, Seth’s advice to anyone considering the same path is simple:
“Give it a go - you’ve got everything to gain.”
Resident Medical Officer applications are open and close on June 23 2025.