Registrar testimonial

Interview with dr Bethany Nelson (GMG registrar 2009-2010)

1. What part of your training did you do at GMG?
I completed my basic term first semester 2009 and then went onto do my advanced term part time from July 2009 to Aug 2010. (I had my first child Levi in September, they were very accommodating and allowed me to keep my room and completely juggle my hours so I could continue my training with a little tacker).

2. What made you choose a country practice?
I grew up in the country so it is in my blood. I do procedural obstetrics and Gynaecology so I need a regional centre to have the support to practise this. I love the warm weather so we headed North. Geraldton is the closest to Perth while still being country as we could get. It has proven perfect for our stage of life (Early 30’s and child producing- still driving distance to family). I would be totally bored in Perth, I like to get involved and get my hands dirty.

3. Why did you choose GMG?
It has great colleague support and I had it recommended to me. The facilities are close to the hospital so easy to pop back and forth. GMG is committed to GP training. There are a group of doctors interested in a diverse range of topics and there is back up for anaesthetics and obstetrics which is essential for cover when you are sick or away. The corridor chat is priceless for your continuing education. 

4. What did you like about working and living in Geraldton?
The weather is fabulous- we thought about Albany but I just couldn’t bring myself to face the chill. It is a modern progressive town- big enough to feel free to be a civilian not a doctor but small enough to always meet someone you know and have a sense of community.

5. When do you finish your GP training?
Umm not for a while- depends how quickly I back it up with another child. I am not in a hurry because if you combine “on call” and hospital obstetrics with my in room hours I seem to still do a big week. I don’t want to find I missed the first few years of my children’s lives. I will stay part time so I can fit in all those “other things” I like to do.

6. What are your plans for the near future?
The near future hopefully will see a consolidation and closure of some training- my Diploma of Child Health and Advanced DRANZCOG. I hope to also hang the pictures up in our new house (still on the floor in the cupboard) and watch my boy roll over for the first time unaided (now 3/12). In 2010 we will do another medical trip to Indonesia with students and I hope to do my ultrasound training.

Interested in doing your Registrar training with the Geraldton Medical Group? Contact us