Student doctor Sarah Mullen features in a new RCSWA series exploring the lives and aspirations of junior doctors and Rural GP Placement (RGPP) students from around WA.

The Karratha 2022 alumna shares her story...

Where do you hail from?

I’m originally from Perth but grew up in Karratha from Year 7-12.

What/who made you consider becoming a doctor?

On the day I got into medicine, my Nan told me I was four the first time I told her I wanted to be a doctor. Not sure what was going through my head at that point but I’ve stuck with it and have never been interested in anything else!

Describe your training journey so far...

After completing Year 12 in Karratha, I moved to Perth to study medicine. I studied a Bachelor of Science before starting my MD course. I spent my third year of medical training in Karratha through the Rural Clinical School which was a fantastic experience and am currently back in Karratha for my rural GP placement. It has been a long journey but I’m grateful for the experiences that I’ve had and the wonderful people I’ve met through medicine.

Does the rural clinical environment match your expectations? What were the major differences you experienced in a rural setting vs metro?

I have loved my rural placements, both third year RCSWA and rural GP. I find that when I’m on rural placement, I’m given more opportunities to practice the things I will need to do every day as a junior doctor, including procedural skills such as IV cannulation and suturing. There are less students competing for these opportunities than in metro and I often receive one-on-one teaching.

Do you have a speciality interest and what sparked your interest in it?

I’m currently very indecisive as to what I want to do in the future, but the options I’m considering are paediatrics, ED or obstetrics/gynaecology. I’ve had great experiences throughout medical school in these rotations and I think that has a big impact. 

Image: Student doctor Sarah Mullen at Karratha back beach.

What does a typical day look like for you on placement?

Placement is always different depending on the rotation! For example, a day in the ED typically involves me assessing patients and discussing them with a senior doctor. A day on a general ward consists of joining the team on their ward round and learning about each patient. On a surgical placement I might be in theatre, watching or assisting, or on the ward learning about post-operative care from the junior doctors.

What is the best part of doing what you do?

I love that every single day in medicine is different and that there are endless learning opportunities. I get to meet new people every day and hear their stories which is such a privilege.

Do you have any professional mentors or people you look to for advice?

Dr Lucia Wang was a great mentor for me during my RCSWA year and continues to be a mentor for me during my final year.

Image: Hampton Harbour Boat & Sailing Club Dampier. Back row from left, Dr Mike Langford, Dr Graeme Fitzclarence, Dr Temi Metseagharun, Dr Cherelle Fitzclarence, Sarah Mullen, Dr Alex Craig, Dr Deb Langford, Caroline Cutting, Lehna McLean. Middle row from left, Piper Brown, Rhys Landwehr, Lauren Hope-Blyth, Katherine McNab. Front row from left, Michael Offerman, Taylor Wellstead, Dr Lucia Wang.

Where to next for you?

I will be spending the next couple of years in Perth, but hopefully doing some rotations in rural WA. I’d like to gain experience in tertiary hospitals before potentially going rural in the future. I’m aiming to gain experience at Perth Children’s Hospital and King Edward Maternity Hospital, to gain experience in areas I’m interested in potentially specialising in the future.

Our Regional Training Hubs team members live in all corners of WA and connect junior doctors and medical students with experienced mentors and professional development opportunities. Find out more at uwa.edu.au/rcswa/regional-training-hubs or email [email protected]