By Kazunori Nakajima

“Oh, apparently that’s a really good rotation,” was the reaction I had from virtually every doctor in the city hospitals when I discussed with them that I was going to be spending 3 months in a general practice clinic in Lakes Entrance.

Despite this, the thought of seeing patients by myself in a world of unpredictably diverse presentations was, to be honest, daunting prior to commencing my prevocational general practice training at Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre in Lakes Entrance.

That apprehension was quickly dispelled upon my arrival, thanks mainly to a warm, supportive, welcoming and close-knit group of people – not just the doctors, but also the nurses and the administrative staff. I was made to feel valued and a service to the people of Lakes Entrance.

Once I grew accustomed to the differences in thinking processes involved in patient care at hospitals and in rural practice, I started to really enjoy seeing patients. This enjoyment along with a warm working environment definitely made living away from loved ones considerably easier.

The beautiful, modern and spacious accommodation, which was only a 10 minute non-smog-inhaling walk away from work, was also a sweetener, I soon found myself and insider, getting to know the quirks of not just the staff, but the locals of this quaint, picturesque town. Being offered a lift by a patient is definitely not an experience commonly had in the big smoke.

From my time in medical school, I was already keen on becoming a general practitioner, therefore coming to Lakes Entrance was a good opportunity for me to confirm my ambitions. I also saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself and learn about specialties such as mental health and O&G, which I hadn’t yet experienced in my post-graduate training, and as a result I had been feeling a little inadequate.

Having already spent 10 weeks as an intern in Bairnsdale, I already had a sense of affinity and attachment to the area, which added to my desire to come to Lakes Entrance. The beaches (despite not being able to enjoy its full potential due to the cold winter), nearby snowfields, limestone caves and an opportunity to improve my photography skills were further incentives.

Although I will be doing my General Practice training the Melbourne next year, it will be very tempting to return here as a registrar for another rural rotation. Hearing the patients’ disappointment when they find out you are leaving in three months is one good reason. The wonderful workmates are a second. Another is, I know that once I leave, I will miss the clinic with the most scenic tearoom in all of Australia.

Excerpt from the ACRRM (Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine) PGPP Newsletter. Volume 26, JUNE 2009.