Hugo Keller is no stranger to country life, having grown up on a family farm in the upper south-east of SA and following high school, he took a gap year working on farms and in construction to help him afford to move to the city for university studies.

Hugo’s pathway to medicine was via the Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders, “I chose Flinders because of the rural program and the opportunity to spend a clinical year in a country setting. My plan is to work rurally in the future, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to be exposed as a try before you buy situation with a rural placement.”

Although he had considered medicine and becoming a doctor, the catalyst to pursue a medical journey was during his final year at high school. “My youngest sister was born when I was in year 12 and there were many doctors’ appointments and visits to specialists in town, I was exposed to the doctors’ expertise and caring support.”

While studying in the city, Hugo embraced campus life and activities and became involved in clubs including the Flinders University Rural Health Society. A great ambassador for both Flinders and the rural medical program, he has shared his story and pathway to prospective students at high school visits and open days including the Flinders Roadshow at Pt Augusta High School earlier this year.

In third year, Hugo spend his MDRS placement in the Riverland, which cemented his wish to become a rural doctor.

“My rural placement was an amazing learning experience. Being one of only two students in the town and one of nine in the region there was so many opportunities. A wide spread of presentations with not only being able to apply my clinical skills but also procedural, I felt prepared for my final year when I returned to Adelaide. Being on the same placement location for 40 weeks I had great continuity of teaching and supervisors who knew where I was at with my development. Even though I was in one location I still had the opportunity to have sessions in theatre and clinics with specialists.”

When he has free time, Hugo likes to stay active, play sport, rock climb or play Dungeons and Dragons with friends. “I find it is important no matter what your hobby is, to keep it going is a good pressure release from the stress of studying.”

Mentors are valuable and Hugo has benefited from their support and guidance during his studies and placements.

“I have had several mentors within the area of medicine I wish to work in, they have helped me find opportunities in that area to see if that is truly where I want to be and then guidance about how to get there. Having several mentors gives you varying perspectives which I have always found helpful and appreciate.”

Now in his final and fourth year, following graduation, Hugo will be doing his internship with SALHN, predominantly at FMC, allowing him further training opportunities in a tertiary setting. His future goal is to become a Rural General Practitioner (GP) with a subspecialty in obstetrics and gynaecology. “ In five years time I hope to have completed my advanced training in my sub-speciality and my GP training and be set up, working somewhere rurally.”

We wish Hugo all the best for his future and look forward to seeing him back in the bush.

 

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