In this episode of Rural Health – Real Conversations, host Elspeth Radford sits down with Dr Patrick Bergon, Senior Lecturer in Foundational Sciences with the South Australia Rural Medical Program at Flinders University’s Mount Gambier campus. Patrick shares his remarkable international journey, from growing up in rural Australia to research and teaching roles at Harvard, the University of Ottawa, and Qatar University, before returning home to help train the next generation of rural doctors. 

After nearly three decades abroad, Patrick explains what drew him back: a shared passion with his wife for rural life, and the opportunity to shape a world-class medical program with a distinctly regional focus.  

Listeners will hear how the South Australia Rural Medical Program is already inspiring students to stay and practise in the regions, with many first-year students choosing to continue their clinical training locally. Patrick also offers a refreshing perspective on how digital resources and close-knit teaching environments can foster world-class learning without sacrificing the benefits of rural living. 

He speaks warmly about community life in Mount Gambier, the strong sense of belonging, and the joy of seeing his daughter thrive in the local arts scene.  

🎧  Tune in to discover how Patrick and his colleagues are “building the plane as they fly it” – redefining medical education and proving that exceptional healthcare training can thrive beyond the city limits.