Dr Ekeuda Uchenna 'Ben' Nwankwo

How did your rural pathway begin?

After completing my internship in 2008, I worked in primary care and undertook a master’s degree in public health. Following this I worked in South Australia in 2011 then commenced my postgraduate studies in occupational medicine, emergency medicine and child health while working and rotating through different specialities. I then worked in regional Victoria – Seymour and Stawell – to complete my general practice training and rural generalist fellowship as a dual fellow with advanced skills in emergency medicine and public health. My desire to provide comprehensive care for my patients as a rural generalist motivated me to further my training in pain medicine through Western Health, Barwon Health and Monash Health in Victoria. Since qualifying as a rural generalist in 2018, I have worked across primary care, aged and palliative care, occupational medicine, pain medicine and emergency medicine. I am a strong advocate for rural generalist training being vital to providing wholistic care and better community health support. I find my rural generalist career fulfilling and rewarding.

When did you get your first taste of rural work?

I've always preferred rural life, to escape the hustle and bustle of metro towns. My first job was in Mount Gambier, and I've continued to work in rural areas ever since. Though I currently work between rural and metro health sites, it is always inspiring to be involved in country health.

Is there a certain temperament that suits being a rural generalist?

Rural generalists have great interpersonal and interprofessional skills, working in collaboration with other health practitioners. They are usually very adaptable and can work in different health service environments. They tend to cope better in complex work environments. They are usually multi-skilled and can support nursing homes, GP clinics, small hospital emergency departments or urgent care clinics and look after the ward patients. Others provide more specialised care such as palliative care, paediatrics or anaesthetics based on their advanced skill training.   

When you are not at work, what do you do with your free time?

I love writing poems and listening to gospel songs. I sing worship choruses with my wife and four boys. I am also involved in medical student teaching and supervision of rural generalist and emergency diploma trainees, so I prepare tasks and formulate teaching materials. Work-life balance is dynamic and evolving depending on the stage of life, so, I still commit to weekend work occasionally as much as my family life permits.  

What is unique about the region you work in?

I work between regional Victoria and the Wheatbelt region in WA. The Bass Coast, a popular holiday destination, has been my workplace since I qualified as a fellow. It's a beautiful coastal town and a major holiday hub in regional Victoria. The Wheatbelt, on the other hand, is home to the world-famous Wave Rock (Nyungar: Katter Kich), unique townships, golden fields, charming rural farms, and offers great outback self-drive adventures. I feel incredibly lucky to be connected with these wonderful places.  

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you have done for a career?

If I weren't a doctor, I would probably be an engineer since I love fieldwork and construction. Another passion of mine is gospel music, though I'm not sure I could adapt to being an artist. However, I truly love my medical career, especially the counselling aspect of the role.

Photo: Dr Ekeuda Uchenna 'Ben' Nwankwo