Miwatj Gunyanagara clinic staff, Traditional Owner Murphy Dhayirra Yunupingu, and Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT staff

Flinders NT Regional Training Hub trip to Nhulunbuy

The Flinders NT Regional Training Hub team recently visited Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land. Collaborating with Dr Phoenix Smith (Flinders Senior Lecturer in Remote Medicine) the team interviewed NTMP medical students and local clinicians as to why it is such a great place to live, work and train. Highlights included visiting the Gove District Hospital, Laynhapuy Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Yirrkala, Arnhem Allied Health Centre, and Miwatj clinics at Nhulunbuy and Gunyangara, where Traditional Owner Murphy Dhayirra Yunupingu generously invited the team to his home and to meet his pet five metre crocodile.

The photos and video footage of the visit will be utilised to promote the region and training opportunities to medical students and junior doctors. The Hub team was told about the amazing lifestyle, amenities, academic and administrative support on offer. Nhulunbuy provides a vibrant environment for training due to the levels of exposure, ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, complexity of cases, range of infectious diseases and chronic care that is unique to the region.

The Hub also oversaw several workshops in collaboration with Flinders University Senior Lecturer in Mental Health, Dr Andrew McClelland. Topics included mental health, communication, core counselling and coaching skills. A panel of passionate local Nhulunbuy clinicians generously shared their journeys into medicine and of career opportunities within the region. Finally, a fantastic networking event was held which was well attended by students and clinicians showcasing the collegiality and support received by living and working on Yolŋu Country.

For further information regarding opportunities in the Nhulunbuy region, contact fnt.rth@flinders.edu.au.