Junior doctors curious about a future in WA rural practice are invited to tour rural communities with experienced Rural Generalists this year.
The Building Rural Insight and Discovery with General Practice Engagement (BRIDGE) program is an initiative of the Rural Clinical School of WA - Regional Training Hubs.
Participants can discover how healthcare is delivered across agricultural communities, meet local health professionals in hospitals and GP practice, identify rural medical career pathways, and learn more about local Aboriginal culture and history.
BRIDGE is delivered in partnership with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Medical Education Unit, Rural Generalist Pathway WA, and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The program is free for participants and Professional Development Leave accredited by WACHS.
Image: Geraldton-based doctors visit Kalbarri National Park, May 2026.
Geraldton Hospital’s Dr Alexander Lyndsay attended a BRIDGE tour of Northampton and Kalbarri in May 2026 and said his favourite part was the networking.
“I've met people that I wouldn't usually touch base with, colleagues who work in different parts of the health system,” Dr Lyndsay said.
“It’s good for thinking about where I might work in the future and all the different opportunities that are out there. You can see how being in a place like this, you play a powerful role.”
Image: Dr Alexander Lyndsay.
BRIDGE program mentor Dr Angela Glen said she found Rural Generalism professionally rewarding and advocated for the BRIDGE program for the insights it provided junior doctors.
“Rural Generalism has allowed me to combine procedural medicine, teaching and community care in a career that is both professionally rewarding and personally sustainable,” Dr Glen said.
“BRIDGE gives junior doctors the opportunity to experience rural medicine beyond the hospital walls, connect with passionate mentors and explore career pathways they may never have previously considered.”
TOUR SCHEDULE 2026
PILBARA 24-28 Aug: Fly Perth to Karratha and drive to Murujuga NP, Dampier, Millstream NP, Roebourne, Cossack, Wickham, Point Samson, and Port Hedland.
GNARLOO 26-28 Aug: Fly Perth to Carnarvon and drive to Gnarloo Station, Ningaloo MP.
ESPERANCE 9-10 Sep: Drive Kalgoorlie to Norseman and Esperance.
MIDLANDS 10-11 Sep: Drive Geraldton to Dongara, Mingenew, Morawa, Coalseam NP and Three Springs.
SOUTHERN COASTAL 15-16 Sep: Drive Albany to Mount Barker, Jerramungup, Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun.
WHEATBELT 22-23 Sep: Drive Northam to York, Beverley, Brookton, Narrogin, Quairading, Corrigin and Cunderdin.
WARREN BLACKWOOD 23-24 Sep: Drive Bunbury to Nannup, Manjimup and Pemberton.
MURCHISON 15-16 Oct: Drive Geraldton to Mullewa, Yalgoo, Melangata Station and Morawa.
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For more information, contact [email protected]