I went to SARGA 2026 for the CPD points. 

I came back with something far more valuable — a sense of belonging. 

For most of my career, I avoided medical conferences like the plague. As an introvert, I disliked socialising, and the pre-reading on worst-case anaesthetic scenarios often left me feeling anxious and a rather inadequate in the leadup to a conference. 

Looking back, I realise I’ve been living with imposter syndrome when it comes to GP anaesthesia for much of my 20-year career. 

So, attending SARGA wasn’t something I naturally gravitated towards. In fact, I missed the very first conference — staying at home to be anaesthetic on-call for my region, which was true… but really a noble excuse. 

I’ve been a Rural Generalist and partner at Clare Medical Centre for two decades. Rural medicine has always been my calling, inspired early on by mentors like Dr Jack Shepherd (ACRRM inaugural president) and others who showed me what was possible in rural South Australia. 

But my focus has always been my community — making sure there are enough doctors to keep general practice and emergency services running in Clare and Snowtown. My GP anaesthetic work has always taken a back seat. 

I didn’t pursue anaesthetics for the machines or the heroics. I did it to build confidence in emergency airway management; to be ready when it matters. And I’ve stayed for the camaraderie: working alongside nurses and colleagues, and helping reassure anxious patients before surgery. 

Still, despite years of experience, I’ve never quite felt “on par” with others in the field. 

Something unexpected happened at SARGA 2026. 

Instead of sitting quietly on the sidelines, I found myself engaging — even “flitting around like a social butterfly”. The conference design helped: standing during welcome drinks and the meals made it easier to move, mingle and connect. 

And as I spoke to others, I realised something important: there were people like me, that I could relate to. 

When I spoke up during sessions —which included mentioning my own issues with anxiety — others approached me afterwards. One trainee called me “brave”- but really, I was a version of my best self, because I knew that I could speak out in a supportive environment, and hopefully help others learn more, too. 

The final session, Clinical Courage, really stayed with me. Hearing from experienced, well respected clinicians, I was appreciative of their candour and of their perceived vulnerable moments. 

On the drive home, one question lingered: how do we encourage junior doctors into rural generalism if they don’t see themselves as the “exceptional” or “heroic” types? 

And that’s when it clicked. 

Maybe what’s missing is the voice of the underdog. 

People like me — who don’t feel particularly brave, clever or tough, but show up anyway. 

Clinical courage doesn’t always look like bold decision-making in high-stakes moments. 

Sometimes it looks like: 

• Turning up despite self-doubt  
• Continuing in a role that feels uncomfortable
• Asking questions when you’re unsure 
• Admitting vulnerability  

Imposter syndrome is real — and I suspect it plays a bigger role in rural workforce challenges than we acknowledge. 

If people believe they’re not “enough”, they may never step into these roles- or may step away from them too soon. 

So here’s my goal: 

In three years’ time, I’d like to stand on the SARGA stage and share this perspective. 

To tell others that you don’t have to be the smartest, bravest, or toughest to work in rural medicine. 

That no one has the “full package” — and that’s okay.  Each of us brings uniqueness to our roles, according to our different personalities, backstories and interests. 

I owe a great deal to my colleagues at Clare Medical Centre, who’ve supported me in both general practice, emergency on call work, and anaesthetics. Without them, my career path may have looked very different — and far less fulfilling. 

I went to SARGA expecting to tick a CPD box. 

Instead, I found connection, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

I went for the points.

I came back with a family.

Attend one of our upcoming AST Conferences.