Tennant Creek doctor advocates for healthcare regardless of postcode

Ensuring Australians can access quality healthcare regardless of where they live is a driving force behind Tennant Creek Rural Generalist Dr Bronwyn Hoogland's career. 

Working across Tennant Creek Hospital and the Virtual Rural Generalist Service, Dr Hoogland sees firsthand the challenges faced by rural, remote and First Nations communities in accessing healthcare close to home. 

Now, she has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference, joining a select group of recently Fellowed Rural Generalists from across Australia. 

Dr Hoogland says the experience will help her build the skills needed to advocate for more equitable and culturally safe healthcare for rural, remote, and First Nations communities. 

"Working in Tennant Creek has reinforced both the challenges faced by rural and remote communities and the incredible resilience of the people who live here," Dr Hoogland says. 

"I'm hoping to gain practical leadership skills that will help me improve access to care, support the local workforce and contribute to healthcare systems that are equitable, culturally safe and responsive to community needs." 

Throughout her career, Dr Hoogland has deliberately chosen to work in communities where access to healthcare can be limited, including Dubbo and Mudgee in NSW, and now Tennant Creek. 

She says these experiences have highlighted the importance of care that is locally accessible, culturally informed and tailored to the realities of rural and remote life. 

Alongside her clinical work, Dr Hoogland is passionate about supporting the next generation of Rural Generalists and strengthening the sustainability of the rural health workforce through supervision and mentorship. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Hoogland's commitment to health equity and social accountability exemplifies the values of Rural Generalist medicine. 

"Dr Hoogland has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving access to healthcare wherever she works, and supporting rural, remote and First Nations communities with the healthcare they deserve," Dr Martin says. 

"Leaders like Bronwyn play a vital role in ensuring healthcare systems are responsive to local needs and communities continue to receive high-quality care close to home." 

Dr Hoogland says she hopes to return from the conference with new ideas, stronger networks and practical strategies that can benefit the Barkly region.