RGPWA Trainee Tales: Dr Chris Cho
Dr Chris Cho during his time with the Australian Army.
"Life is too short to live doing only one thing, and a human is too versatile a creature. The generalist who is able to bring philosophy and skills from unrelated fields and industries together will be the one who creates new solutions to problems and also entire new disciplines and fields of discovery. Rural generalist training and Pioneer Health Albany has provided me the flexibility and support to pursue an unconventional career path.
Last twelve months I had the privilege of qualifying as a heavy weapons specialist infantry officer with the Australian Army, with some of the Army's finest professional soldiers.
On returning home to Albany, I realised that along with rural primary care, Korean cuisine was a critical area of need for the Great Southern Community. So, my family and I opened a Korean Cafe Restaurant on York street at the heart of Albany's CBD. People drive from Denmark, Mt Barker and even Perth specifically to visit Uncle Cho's Korean Cafe and we're constantly booked out 2-3 weeks in advance with many happy bellies and coffee cravings satisfied on departure.
I also married a fine woman with noble qualities and expect to be starting a family early next year, not including the three German shepherd pups who joined the clan this month.
At some point I will actually focus on studying for the exams.
Deeds not Words."
Aspiring to become a rural generalist? Join the RGPWA and be supported throughout your training journey and beyond. Visit the RGPWA website to find out more information or contact the RGPWA Coordination Unit on (08) 6553 0873 or email: ruralgeneralist@health.wa.gov.au.
Left: Dr Chris Cho and his wife. Right: Uncle Cho's Korean Cafe in Albany.