Curtin Medical School graduate Christopher Chi has been working as a GP Registrar in Kununurra.
I was born in Sydney to a hard-working and loving middle-class family – my mother was born in Malaysia, and my father was born in Hong Kong. Both my parents came to Australia when they were just ten years old.
During high school, I became a Christian and this instilled in me a deep understanding and passion to care for those who are disadvantaged or marginalised in society.
As I progressed through high school, medicine appeared to me more and more a tangible way of being Jesus’ hands and feet, and loving others who were less fortunate and did not have the same privileges I was afforded when growing up.
Eventually, this desire to become a doctor came to fruition in 2017. I was accepted into Curtin Medical School in Perth, Western Australia to begin a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
Pursuing this opportunity meant that I had to move away from my family in Sydney to the other side of the country, which was a difficult decision. However, although it was hard to say goodbye, making the move to Perth opened many new doors for me, including meeting my future wife!
My days at Curtin were some of the most formative of my life. As I pursued my medical education, there were many moments of self-doubt, obstacles, and challenges, but the friends I made and the relationships I shared both in and out of university helped to keep me focused on what was important to me.
In particular, I was part of a small Bible study group made up of other students studying medicine at Curtin. They helped me stay motivated to study and work hard whilst also helping me not lose track of my faith.
I also met my wife in medical school and I am so grateful that she shares many of the same values I have to care for the marginalised and disadvantaged, and we both try to show this love in how we interact with our patients and colleagues.
As my cohort was the first to go through the new course, we decided to launch the student society, Curtin Association of Medical Students (CAMS).
As the founding Secretary, this society was about bringing students together, supporting them through formal events, and helping develop a sense of camaraderie. Being involved in this society taught me the importance of taking the time to socialise and rest alongside my studies.
After graduating, I worked for three years at St John of God (SJOG) Midland Hospital before packing my bags and heading 3000 kilometres north to the rural town of Kununurra, as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) fellowship.
Working in Kununurra as a GP Registrar at Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) for 10 weeks now has been such an eye-opening and rewarding experience.
Many people living in Kununurra, particularly those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, cannot afford basic healthcare such as seeing a doctor or dentist. My work at OVAHS helps to alleviate some of these health discrepancies by providing urgent healthcare services for those who desperately need it.
Although there is still a long way to go in achieving health equity in rural regions compared to metro ones, I hope that my daily role as a doctor is making steps to bridge this gap.
My daily work involves seeing unwell children and adults with health conditions that you would not normally see in metro settings such as Perth, including rheumatic heart disease and strongyloidiasis. These diseases are often a result of factors outside people’s control, such as overcrowding, poverty, and lack of access to medications.
For me, this emphasises the need for increased public health advocacy in this area, which is why I am also studying a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in my spare time to learn how I can better address these health needs.
Although all of this work can at times be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of a team of healthcare workers who are genuinely passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people living here.
Working in a rural town like Kununurra has allowed me to form some incredible relationships, as I’ve been able to get to know all the doctors in my practice quickly and work in a very supportive environment.
Although a great deal remains to be done when it comes to ensuring equitable healthcare for all Australians, it is a privilege to be out here working with a team that truly has a deep desire to make a difference in the community and is invested in making the health of the community better.
As I enter my fourth year working as a practising doctor, there are a few things I wish I could tell my younger self, embarking on medical school for the first time.
While keeping on top of studies is important, taking the time to invest in relationships and friendships is foundational to your whole university experience, future career, and overall personal development. Medical school provides a great platform to nurture relationships that will last a lifetime.
When you first graduate, be patient with yourself. At the start of your career, you don’t need to know everything; just enjoy the learning experience and do not be afraid to lean on your colleagues for support or ask questions. Having a supportive community around you is vital to ensure you do not burn out while working.
Finally, don’t give up on the things you enjoy. It can be easy to get consumed by the demands of work, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of your relationships and wellbeing. Make time for your passions outside of work, whether it is bouldering with friends, playing the viola or spending your Sunday evenings at church.
For National Doctors Day, Chris shares his day in the life as a doctor in Kununurra here.
Christopher Chi, General Practitioner Registrar at Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service
Since graduating as part of the first cohort of Curtin Medical School alumni with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Christopher Chi is now pursuing a career as a rural doctor. Chris’ desire to care for those who have poorer health outcomes has now taken him to WA’s Kimberley region, where he is currently training as a GP Registrar at Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service. He is working towards a Fellowship through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
