It's my last week in SQuIRT, and I've really enjoyed my time here. As I expected, it's dredged up a wee bit of the cynicism that is so ingrained in health care, especially regarding people's ability to disregard their own health. I remain optimistic that, with time and education, all people can care for themselves. It's certainly given me a new found respect for the distances people will travel to get good quality medical care, be it generalist or specialist. I think it's also helped me understand some of the pertinent issues within Australian Race Relations.

I'm not sure if I'll work rural as a JMO; it's not super-high on my list of career possibilities. There is, however, a rural relieving programme at some hospitals, and I'd relish the chance to work in this environment again, short term. The 'single doctor' town has some interesting strengths and weaknesses, but the opportunity to take full responsibility for patients, and the whole 'you or bust thing' certainly has a somewhat intimidating allure, for a brief time, anyway.

SQuIRT Airfield

Sky Scratchers, Queensland

Warning Light, SQuIRT Airfield

Ant Hill, Queensland

Shade at the Junk yard, SQuIRT

Ground Control