Learn a range of exciting medicine, including Indigenous health, find a great house with cheap rent, and discover some of Queensland’s most beautiful national parks. These nine locations in Queensland’s Darling Downs and West Moreton region have much to offer for your GP registrar training. They’re also part of the Australian Government’s primary health network, which means the population has worse than average health, with high smoking rates, poor diet, and widespread chronic disease. You can gain valuable clinical experience and make a big difference to patients and their families. 1. Dalby Dalby is a lively growing town at the centre of the richest grain and cotton production in the country. The administrative centre of the Western Downs Region, the recent expansion in the local energy sector has resulted in both a growth in the population and the many amenities that make living in Dalby so pleasant. Artists and outdoor enthusiasts will find something they like in Dalby. Dalby offers registrars the opportunity to learn a range of rural medicine at Myall Medical Practice, and focus on Indigenous health at Goondir Health Services. “Goondir” in the Dalby area Aboriginal language translates to “Medicine Man”. The clinic is an Aboriginal Medical Service providing holistic, primary health care and medical services.Read more about Dalby. 2. Warwick You have a choice of learning the ropes at two practices in Warwick. The main town practice, Condamine Medical Centre, has a close-knit team of 13 doctors available to the town’s 13 000 people. Warwick Carbal Medical Centre initially provided services from a van to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients from across Southern Downs. It opened a clinic in 2015 and is currently funded by the Queensland Government. Warwick has a good – and sometimes eclectic – selection of cultural activities, including a range of museums, a heritage railway and a gallery showcasing local artists. There are classes in clarinet, guitar and saxophone offered and three dance studios, as well as a thriving community theatre and the Warwick Artist Group. Warwick has a thriving social scene, with pubs, 33 restaurants, and horse racing events. Past state premier, Anna Bligh, is from Warwick. Read more about Warwick. 3. Chinchilla Chinchilla Medical Practice has two procedural GPs, who, between them practice obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, orthopaedics, ultrasound, skin surgery, and musculoskeletal medicine. And when you’re not learning how to diagnose and treat patients, there’s plenty to do in Chinchilla. With the Wondul Range National Park nearby, the town has many opportunities for bush walking, camping, and birdwatching. There’s also a lively nightlife, including 15 eateries and three hotels servicing the local population of 5 000. Read more about Chinchilla. 4. Stanthorpe Located in a quiet valley along Quart Pot Creek, Stanthorpe began as a tin mining community. When the mines were played out, the resident miners discovered that the area was perfect for farming, with grapes introduced in the 1860s. What began as an enterprise to produce altar wine for the local churches grew into a thriving winery centre that continues to draw tourists. The heritage buildings along Main Street add to the beauty of this town, along with the parks that line the banks of the creek flowing through the middle of town. Stanthorpe’s population is 3 400. There are two practices available to GP registrars. Granite Belt Medical Services prides itself on providing interesting and challenging work for its registrars. Stannum Clinic provides holistic care in a patient-centred environment. Read more about Stanthorpe. 5. Kingaroy There are three GP practices experienced in training registrars: Bunya Pines Family Practice, Markwell Medical and Wondai Family Medical Practice. Smoking, unhealthy weight and poor diet are prevalent among the town’s 9 500 people. Kingaroy has slightly above average numbers of elderly people. However, it’s also a popular place for young families and has an abundance of churches, sports clubs and youth groups. There’s a good outdoor lifestyle too with beautiful countryside for cycling and walking. Kingaroy has bred its share of notable people too, including cricketer Matthew Hayden, deputy prime minister Warren Truss and rugby players Berrick Barnes, Dave Brown, Chris Sandow and Esikeli and Willie Tonga.Read more about Kingaroy. 6. Blackbutt If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a small rural town, then Blackbutt’s your answer. There are just 618 residents. Healthcare in Blackbutt is provided by Blackbutt Medical Centre with two GPs. The closest hospital is in Nanango and the closest ambulance service is in Yarraman. Blackbutt’s health profile is disadvantaged; incomes are well below the Queensland and Australian averages, leading to poor lifestyles and their attendant health problems. There’s also a very high percentage of older people, with 31.6% of residents aged 65 or older, so chronic disease is prevalent. For a small town Blackbutt has several options for arts, cultural experiences and socialising. Read more about Blackbutt. 7. Pittsworth Almost 3 000 people live in Pittsworth. While it’s small, it has a big heart and is a welcoming town to newcomers, with a great community spirit. It’s known for its gardens, and much of the town’s social life revolves around them. Pittsworth’s health profile is somewhat disadvantaged. Median incomes are slightly lower than average, and unhealthy lifestyle choices are prevalent. The smoking rate is high and almost two-thirds of residents are an unhealthy weight. Pittsworth Platinum Medical Centre offers registrar training with GP supervisor, Dr Peter Hopson. Read more about Pittsworth. 8. Murgon If you’re interested in Indigenous Health, Murgan offers the opportunity to see a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Sixteen percent of the 2 000 people living in Murgon are Indigenous. The primary healthcare needs of Murgon’s residents are provided by Murgon Family Medical Practice. GPs and registrars are supported by Murgon Hospital and Murgon Ambulance Station. Murgon is a great place for scenic bushwalking through agricultural lands. A local pastime that has also gained popularity is hunting for gems and fossils in the nearby area. The town has several popular bike paths and both the Great Queensland Rail Trail and the Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail Trail run close by. Read more about Murgon. 9. Wondai There are six GPs at Wondai Family Medical Practice looking after the primary health care needs of Wondai’s population of 2 100. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 7.6% of the population, providing registrars with an opportunity to learn about Indigenous health firsthand. Although it’s a small town Wondai has a variety of cultural activities on offer. The Regional Art Gallery is one of the best in southwest Queensland, with new exhibitions every month and a range of classes and workshops. There are some dance classes, and the Timber Museum celebrates the town’s history as a lumber centre. Read more about Wondai.
