Our Stories

In rural and remote Australia, medical care can be limited, with distance making it difficult for emergency health services to arrive quickly. And Dr Alex Sleeman was right where it was needed – being on the scene minutes after an accident providing critical care.

It is hard to remember the fear and the uncertainty that we all felt at the time of the outbreak of COVID. But in hospitals the fear was palpable. And even more so, for rural hospitals where the loss of one doctor or nurse could result in the closure of the hospital. Rural Doctors Foundation was able to alleviate this fear by equipping over 180 hospitals with Medihoods.

In the world of emergency medical care, having the right equipment at the right time can be crucial. This is particularly so in rural areas.

Dr Louise Stone didn’t follow a planned career path; she followed her curiosity and the problems she wanted to solve, building an impressive career across multiple fields. The Rural Doctors Foundation is proud to welcome her as Medical Director.

Ainsley Kennedy discovered nursing through a desire for variety, finding purpose in patient care, supportive teams, and continual learning, despite challenges like self-doubt and burnout shaping her evolving, rewarding career journey.

Dr Margaret Kay comes across as a deeply committed clinician and leader, driven by lived experience and compassion for doctor wellbeing. Her career blends academic rigour with heartfelt advocacy, especially for rural doctors, showing a lifelong dedication to supporting those who care for others.

Thanks to Rural Doctors Foundation, the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club has strengthened community safety with a life‑saving AED. This vital equipment now supports athletes, events and public spaces, ensuring peace of mind for locals and visitors alike.

Rural doctors carry heavy emotional, professional and personal burdens that often undermine their own health. Read Dr Louise Stan Bishop’s inspiring story.

This is more than a story about a young woman pursuing medicine—it is a story about the power of perseverance, the need for reform, and the unwavering belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.

Dr Sue Masel has lived and worked in Goondiwindi in western Queensland for 25 years. She works as a rural GP and is incredibly connected to the town.

Ewen McPhee is a rural generalist based in Emerald. His impact on rural medicine and on his community makes him a superhero in our eyes!

This is the story of a young rural doctor – Dr Vidhushan (Vid) Paheerathan.Hear his remarkable story that started with aspirations of being an astronaut and led him to rural medicine.

This is the story of a young student – and the little sister who inspired her to pursue a career in rural medicine.

Jaide’s story is one of passion, purpose, and deep connection to the communities that shaped her.

Justine’s story is one of heartache, compassion, tenacity and determination to help people living in rural communities be supported when seeking health care in the city.