“I fell in love with the Northern Territory and wanted to stay.” For final year medical student Charlotte Bowra, a year working in the Barkly changed the direction of her life and sparked a passion for remote health.
From Melbourne to Barkly and Top End
Charlotte began her study journey in Melbourne where she completed a Bachelor of Science Advanced Global Challenges (Honours). She loved health, science and communication, but it was only at the end of her degree that she realised she wanted a career built on human connection.
After the long 2020 lockdown in Victoria, she moved to Barkly Tablelands to work outdoors on a farm. “A winter spent inside made me want wide open spaces,” she says. A visiting GP encouraged her to consider the Northern Territory Medical Program and the idea immediately felt right. “Being able to stay in the NT while studying medicine was something I am still grateful for.”
Discovering the Territory lifestyle
Charlotte may have grown up in inner city Melbourne, but her love of rural life runs deep. “Most of my childhood holidays were spent camping or visiting my family’s sheep farm,” she says. Living remote has given her the chance to explore some of Australia’s most striking landscapes, including Kakadu National Park.
Her involvement with the Jabiru Football Club became a highlight. “I joined as a player and ended up returning as a volunteer sports trainer. The community atmosphere hooked me.”
Learning in small cohorts and remote communities
Charlotte values the close-knit learning experience at Flinders. “The staff have been kind the whole way through,” she says. Strong support for remote placements made her studies accessible and rewarding.
She spent six months in Katherine during her clinical rotations. “It was a fantastic combination of hands-on learning and a really welcoming community.” A placement in Nhulunbuy offered memorable lessons in First Nations health care and the chance to learn from local elders.
A creative contribution to remote health
Spending time in Territory hospitals also sparked a different kind of idea. “I started sewing in second year and noticed there were no medical scrub designs that really represented the NT,” she says. This led her to launch her small business, Cheeky Bull Scrubs, inspired by a name she overheard in the cattle yards.
Her designs feature NT scenery and each shirt gives back. “I donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service for every shirt sold.” Today, her bright scrubs can often be spotted around Royal Darwin Hospital.
Thinking of moving to the NT?
“Embrace the challenge of relocating. The NT is full of friendly people and adventure,” she says. Joining local clubs helped her settle in quickly. Her biggest piece of advice: “There are always people who can help. You just need to ask.”
Looking ahead
Charlotte will spend the next two years working as a doctor in Darwin, with a remote rotation back to Nhulunbuy. She hopes to pursue gastroenterology and continue exploring the connection between gut health, microbiology and holistic medicine.
As for celebrating her graduation, she says, “I am excited to spend time with family, friends and Doug, our Labrador, before a busy year begins.”