The Talking Country Health Podcast

From Biotech to Bush Medicine: Dr Hugo’s Rural Return In a recent episode of the Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr Hugo Stephenson shares his remarkable journey back to medicine in rural Victoria. After training in medicine, Dr Hugo built and led international biotech companies, running clinical trials across the United States and Europe. Yet despite his global success, he found himself drawn back to the clinical frontline. Now working at Goldfields Medical Hub in Castlemaine, Dr Hugo has rediscovered what he values most, connecting with patients and being part of a community. For him, rural general practice offers something unique. It allows time to build relationships, follow up with patients, and support people through every stage of life. With decades of experience across industries and continents, he brings perspective and reassurance to his consultations. His message to other health professionals is simple, it is never too late to change direction. If you are considering a new chapter in your medical career, rural practice could be closer than you think. To learn more about opportunities in country Victoria, visit www.rwav.com.au. And to access Dr Hugo’s full podcast transcript click here. 

Meet Simi James, a mental health clinician at SouthWest Healthcare in Camperdown, who relocated from Kerala, India, to pursue her passion for community mental health in rural Victoria. In this episode, Simi shares her inspiring journey of adapting to a new country, finding a sense of belonging in a small town, and delivering meaningful care across the Camperdown region. She also talks about how RWAV supported her relocation and helped her settle into her new community. “Growth comes with being a little uncomfortable at first. But with the right support, you can build a new home and thrive.” Listen to the full Talking Country Health Podcast with Simmy & RWAV. Read the full transcript here.

In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning London, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and now regional Victoria, Darren shares how his professional journey has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving mental health care. Originally trained in the UK, Darren brings decades of experience in acute psychiatry, community mental health, education, and leadership roles. After working across major city hospitals and even the prison system, it was the pull of meaningful, community-connected work that led him to rural Victoria. “If you want a quieter lifestyle, purposeful work, and the chance to be creative, rural health is the place for you,” he says. “Just do it. Don’t overthink it.” Darren says Listen to the full episode now to hear Darren’s inspiring journey and insights. 

In this episode, host Andrew Maher speaks with Dr Jennifer Coller, a general and heart failure cardiologist whose passion for health equity has taken her from the busy hospitals of Melbourne to the wide-open roads of regional Victoria. From improving women’s heart health to supporting First Nations communities, Jennifer’s story is one of heart, dedication and lasting impact. Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how she is making a difference in rural health!

In the latest Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr. Louise Manning—Rural GP Obstetrician, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, and Board Director at RWAV—shares her inspiring journey from small-town Woodend to life as a rural GP.From balancing hospital shifts to community care and even growing her own veggies, Dr. Manning talks about the rewards, challenges, and flexibility of rural medicine—and how RWAV supported her along the way.Whether you're a health professional exploring rural opportunities or just love a good story, this episode is a must-listen.

In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. From her roots in Melbourne to providing essential services in rural and Indigenous communities, Dr. Amott discusses the challenges and rewards of her work. Discover how simple surgeries can transform lives, particularly for children facing hearing difficulties and breathing issues. Join us as we dive into Dr Amott’s experiences and insights into the vital role healthcare professionals play in rural areas.Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how you can make a difference in rural health!

Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Patrick Campisi an RWAV-employed locum, currently residing in Robinvale, a beautiful town located an hour away from Mildura in the Murray River Bay region of northwest Victoria. During our conversation, Dr. Campisi shared his background and career journey, as well as his experiences working in Indigenous health and locum work.

Dr Angela Stratton is a Rural Generalist at the Mount Beauty Medical Centre and Visiting Medical Officer at Alpine Health and Albury Wodonga Health. She worked previously as a GP Obstetrician for Albury-Wodonga Health. Angela has a special interest and training in Alpine Medicine, working as part of the Falls Creek Medical Centre team during winter. Angela is passionate about rural medical education and training. She is an enthusiastic supervisor of medical students, Interns and GP/RG Registrars. She is also part of ACRRM's exam and REST instructor team. Tune in to this episode for some exciting stories about working on snow fields, being a mum and a doctor and for some advice on working in rural Victoria.Do you want to make the move to country Victoria? Check out our vacancies page - https://www.rwav.com.au/vacancies/

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