“A career in Medicine is like a marathon, the journey is long”
My name is Kim Isaacs. I am a Yaruwu, Karajarri and Noongar woman. I am currently a GP Registrar working in rural and remote medicine in the Kimberley region. I have decided to undertake all my training in northern WA to be closer to my huge family that live up here.
After finishing high school I went to UWA and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After taking one year off I decided to return to university to take on a new challenge of studying medicine.
As a medical student it is hard work with long hours of studying and preparation for exams. Upon graduation, the journey has just begun, working in various hospital rotations in various specialties. The decision to undertake specialisation in a chosen field takes you on another journey and with that there are more long hours of work and exams that follow! A career in medicine offers many challenges, along with personal sacrifices and on the flipside, personal satisfaction that you are helping people.
Travelling is a highlight. As a medical student I was given the opportunity to study in rural South Australia, the Goldfields and the Kimberley region of WA. I also studied Indigenous health overseas in Rotorua, New Zealand and on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona USA.
As a doctor I have worked in Perth, Alice Springs and the Kimberley region.
My career highlight would be delivering my great niece at Broome Hospital 6 years ago.
Medicine has given me the opportunity to assist people in their time of need. My community is very proud to see an Aboriginal doctor and it is great to see more people graduating through the course. My dream is to see every Aboriginal Medical Service have at least one Aboriginal doctor working with them.