In the second episode of Rural Health – Real Conversations, Elspeth Radford speaks with Doctor of Medicine student Catherine Southam, who shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a Port Lincoln farm to pursuing a career in rural medicine.

Catherine discovered her passion for science early and found her way to medicine through the Flinders Medical Science pathway. Now in her final year, she’s based in Mount Gambier after completing her Doctor of Medicine Rural Stream (MDRS) placement in Naracoorte – an experience that cemented her commitment to working in regional communities. 

Listeners will hear how Catherine’s rural placement offered her unmatched hands-on learning, from assisting in births to managing patients in emergency settings.  

You will just get these beautiful small teams who are so passionate about [being] rural, and so passionate about their area of medicine. 

The close-knit hospital teams, she adds, made her feel part of the workforce from day one. 

Beyond the hospital, Catherine shares how rural living offers balance and belonging through sport, community events, and even crochet. She’s now planning a future as a rural generalist, with growing interests in obstetrics, gynaecology and anaesthetics. 

Tune in to hear Catherine’s story and discover why she believes rural training offers the best of both worlds: meaningful medicine and a community that makes every day rewarding. 

🎧 Listen to episode two of Rural Health – Real Conversations – part of Flinders University’s Rural and Remote Health podcast series.