RGPWA trainee’s remarkable achievement serving rural communities
Dr Natasha Bradley beaming with pride as she poses with her award.
Congratulations to our Rural Generalist Pathway WA (RGPWA) trainee Dr Natasha Bradley, who has been recognised as the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) RMO of the Year at the 2024 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards. Alongside other remarkable healthcare professionals, Dr Bradley received recognition for her unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our country communities.
Reflecting on the award, Dr Bradley said that it came as a surprise to her. “There are so many outstanding junior doctors working within WACHS, and I am constantly blown away by their talent and commitment to providing the best possible patient care. I feel really lucky to work with such an amazing group of people every day."
Growing up on a farm in Morawa in the Midwest region of WA, Dr Bradley witnessed firsthand the many inequalities experienced by rural communities. This exposure shaped her belief that one of the most effective ways to address the increasing service pressures in WA's country areas is by engaging in work with rural and remote communities. Her rural clinical school placement provided her with deeper insights into the ongoing need to address the disadvantages faced by regional communities. She also saw the positive impact sustainable services have on community healthcare provision and how essential local service provision is to achieving safe, patient-centred care.
Dr Bradley will apply for rural generalist fellowship training this year and intends to complete her additional skill training in Palliative Care. When discussing her future plans, she said, "I intend to pursue rural generalist training to meet the specific current and future healthcare needs of Australian rural and remote communities. The support and guidance to navigate this pathway from RGPWA South West Director of Clinical Training and rural generalist, Dr Adam Bancroft, has been of great value."
Outside of work, Dr Bradley can usually be found enjoying the great outdoors or working towards some athletic endeavour. She is currently considering a solo Rottnest Channel Swim crossing in 2025!
Above: Dr Bradley enjoying her hiking and kayaking adventures.