Northam GP Obstetrician Dr Pip Gray’s path to rural medicine began long before she knew she wanted to be a doctor.

After growing up loving science, Dr Gray took a gap year to explore her options including a stint on a cattle station.

“I think I knew I wanted to work in the country before I even knew I wanted to be a doctor. The city’s just not really for me,” she said. 

“I was drawn to the social aspects of health and medicine and I’m so grateful that’s the path I took.”

A career grown in WA

Dr Gray studied at The University of Western Australia and the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) Derby, before completing her General Practice training in Geraldton. 

Along the way, she developed a strong interest in women and children’s health and managing chronic disease, gaining her obstetrics diploma and practicing procedural obstetrics in Geraldton before moving to the Wheatbelt town of Northam. 

Since graduating in 2013, Dr Gray has spent all but 18 months of her career in rural WA - a commitment driven by both lifestyle and purpose.

“We know access to healthcare and health outcomes are lower in rural areas. I wanted to do what I could to help bridge that gap,” she said.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr Gray joined the RCSWA Regional Training Hubs Program Wheatbelt team in 2024. The program aims to improve the recruitment and retention of rural doctors by creating more opportunities for medical students and junior doctors to undertake their training in rural areas.

In this role, Dr Gray offers both mentoring and career planning while providing connections to the right networks - from hospital training posts to GP training placements and specialist pathways. 

By working closely with local hospitals, training providers, and health services, Dr Gray helps make it easier for future rural doctors to build long-term careers in the communities that need them most.

Image: Dr Pip Gray (top row, second from right) at Barton Park emergency simulation and wellbeing event with Northam JMOs and medical students.

Whole-of-community care

For Dr Gray, the rewards of rural medicine are in its variety and scope. She describes one case that encapsulates what rural healthcare can achieve: a patient came in for a minor issue and through conversation revealed they were decades overdue for cancer screening.

“They weren’t ready to commit right then,” Dr Gray said. “But over time, through me caring for their family, delivering their granddaughter, looking after their wife and daughter, the trust grew.” 

Eventually, the patient agreed to be tested. A cancer was caught early, and the treatment was likely to be curative.

“That’s the beauty of rural medicine. You care for whole families over years. That trust can change lives,” she said.

Skills for the bush

Working in rural WA demands adaptability, strong clinical judgment, and teamwork.

“You never quite know what’s going to walk through the door. You need to be confident in your skills but humble enough to ask for help. Telehealth has made that much easier,” Dr Gray said. 

She is also quick to point out the unique professional opportunities rural training offers.

“You see interesting pathology, develop procedural skills, and work closely with senior doctors. You become a vital part of a small, supportive team,” she said.

Her message to those unsure about rural training – “just give it a go”. 

“Even if it’s just a term or two, you’ll come away with excellent skills and a better understanding of rural healthcare. And you might just find it’s where you belong,” she said.

Dr Gray believes building a strong rural medical workforce is critical for WA’s future.

“Rural communities need and deserve consistent, appropriately skilled healthcare services. The best way to ensure that is to train doctors in the places we need them most,” she said.

With doctors like Dr Gray leading the way, the future of WA rural health is looking bright. 

For further information about rural training pathways, contact [email protected]

Image: Dr Pip Gray at home with family.