It’s hard to believe that someone so passionate about improving access to healthcare in one of Queensland’s most remote regions once worked as a medical officer in Antarctica.
Jason Coventry, Medical Lead – Aeromedical for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) in Mount Isa, decided after his 18-month placement on a British Antarctic research station that remote medicine and the RFDS was where he wanted to be.
“My experience in Antarctica took me off the traditional career path, and I knew I didn’t want to go back to working in a hospital,” Jason said.
“I interviewed for the role with the RFDS in Mount Isa while I was in Antarctica, looking over the snow and ice while the person on the other end of the phone was sitting in Mount Isa’s heat.
“The career move was very much out of the freezer and into the frying pan.”
Now on his second stint at the RFDS, first joining in 2009 until 2014, before returning 2021, Jason has always worked from Mount Isa, intrigued by the unique nature of the work.
“The medicine is the same but how you deliver it is completely different to a hospital setting,” he said.
“As a RFDS doctor, you must think laterally, solving logistical problems alongside clinical ones.
“Working in this region, we receive more primary response taskings, meaning we are often among the first on the scene. That combined with the constant problem solving, keeps the work interesting.”
It’s not just the nature of the work that has kept Jason coming back to the RFDS; it’s the people.
“It sounds cliché, but I genuinely enjoy helping people,” Jason said.
“That’s why I value my team lead role, where I support a team of 23 doctors to do their best work.
“By building and supporting a strong medical team in Mount Isa, I am enabling the team to deliver the best care possible in challenging circumstances.”
For aspiring doctors, Jason encourages exploring the breadth of opportunities medicine has to offer.
“Medicine is hard, no matter where you work; but there are fascinating opportunities out there that can help sustain your interest and support your wellbeing,” he said.
We are incredibly grateful for the skilled and dedicated doctors working across Queensland, ensuring that no matter where you live, you have access to the finest care.
If you would like to learn more about what it takes to be a real Flying Doctor, you can find out more about the role here.
