Dr Joshua Yeoh will join the Ochre Medical Centre St Helens in October where he will spend 13 weeks exploring rural medicine in a program funded by the Federal Department of Health.
The Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund is a community-based program designed to encourage more doctors to choose a rural general practice career. The program is the first of a number of programs that train, mentor and support doctors as they acquire experience in rural medicine through different stages of their training.
We asked Dr Yeoh a few questions about himself:
Where are you from?
I was born in Malaysia!
Where did you do your medical degree?
I did half my degree in Malaysia, and completed my second half in UTAS as part of a “twinning” program.
What made you decide on medicine as a career?
I have always admired the medical profession since I was a child; that admiration gradually turned into a dream, which in turn became a goal. I wanted to help people in need, and what better way to achieve both, than to follow in my childhood heroes’ footsteps?
What did you do before embarking on a medical pathway?
I had a fairly ordinary life; went to school, hung out with friends, fell in love, yadda-yadda.
Oh, I did have a band I performed with, which was pretty cool.
What do you think you will enjoy and gain from your rural placement?
A closely knit society (I love a good chat, so don’t be a stranger!), and likely the chance to learn and be more involved than I normally would be in a large hospital.
What specialties interest you?
I have a passion for mental health; I personally feel that it isn’t focused upon enough, especially in these unfortunate times.
I also have an interest in emergency medicine and general practice!
Have you visited St Helens before?
No, but I am eagerly looking forward to it!
What are your impressions of the region where you are going to do your rural placement?
I’ve been told many times that St Helen’s is a lovely coastal town, and the fact that I’ll be around during the summer makes that sound even more enticing!
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of your career?
I enjoy playing the guitar and singing in my free time!
A good book/movie to immerse myself into is my next go-to!
Also I love trying out local cuisines wherever I may be, so please feel free to shoot any suggestions my way.
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