21/07/2025
SARAH'S STORY | A passion for Rural Generalism
Sarah is a 5th year JCU Medical student who came to Mount Isa earlier this year to do a clinical placement. Lucky for us, she was able to return last week to present her research project at the AYRI conference. Her passion for rural and remote health is very clear. This is what she had to say about her time in Mount Isa and her research project:
"At James Cook University, we are fortunate to undertake a 12-week rural placement in Mount Isa, with the opportunity to preference rotations aligned with our specific interests. I have always been deeply passionate about women’s health and paediatrics, so I selected the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics rotations for my placement. I was grateful to be selected and undertook this placement from January to April 2025.
My time in Mount Isa was incredibly formative, both professionally and personally. It reinforced my passion for rural and remote medicine and further ignited my interest in pursuing a career in rural generalism with advanced skills training in obstetrics. Compared to metropolitan placements, the hands-on experience I gained in Mount Isa was invaluable.
These experiences highlighted the importance of patient-centred care and the need for strong communication skills in managing complex cases, particularly in rural settings. They also brought into sharp focus the role that social determinants of health play in the outcomes of patients from Mount Isa and its surrounding regions.
Beyond the clinical setting, I had the privilege of engaging with the local community by attending events such as the Mount Isa Races and social gatherings at The Granites. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in the community—a vital component of being a rural generalist—and helped me appreciate the importance of cultural and social integration in providing holistic care.
My longstanding passion for women’s health has also shaped my Honours project, which explores the psychosocial impacts of adenomyosis—a condition often described as the "cousin" of endometriosis. While endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue infiltrates the muscle layer of the uterus. This condition can cause significant menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and severe impact on quality of life. Despite affecting one in five women, adenomyosis remains under-recognised and understudied.
To date, our scoping review has identified only 14 articles worldwide across six major databases that address the psychosocial impacts of adenomyosis. In response, my Honours project aims to conduct a nationwide survey distributed through gynaecology clinics, social media platforms, medical conferences, GP clinics, and national women’s health organisations. So far, 65 participants have completed the survey, providing extremely valuable data. I hope this research will one day contribute to informing multidisciplinary models of care and continue to amplify the voices and concerns of women living with adenomyosis.
This placement not only solidified my desire to work in rural medicine with a focus on women’s health, but it also gave me the confidence and motivation to pursue research that can influence clinical practice and policy. I remain committed to driving awareness, improving care pathways, and advocating for the health and wellbeing of women in both rural and urban communities."
Special thanks as always to North West Hospital and Health Service for supporting these students on their clinical placements.
Anyone wishing to know more or participate in Sarah's Research Project, can click on the below link: https://jcu.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bydLayD6mbwUBHo
