A YOUNG doctor now working at Tamworth hospital has been recognised by her former university for her commitment to rural health.
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Teena Downton is a graduate of the University of Wollongong and was recently named its 2014 Young Alumni of the Year at the annual awards and fellowship night.
She completed her medical degree in 2012 and took on a position in Tamworth after deciding early on that a career in rural medicine was for her.
"I received the award for my contribution to rural health, something which I am proud to be a face of and advocate for, and to be able to put into practice here as a doctor in Tamworth," Dr Downton said.
While still a student at Wollongong she was a member of various campus and national bodies focused on health outcomes in rural and regional Australia.
Since starting in Tamworth in January last year she has taken on the role of president of the Tamworth Resident Medical Officer Association and is deputy chairman of the Junior Medical Officer Quality and Safety Committee, which directly contributes to junior doctor-led initiatives that improve the quality of care and patient safety at the district's hospitals. She also mentors several interns.
Dr Downton is considering a career in general practice, something highly sought after in country NSW.
While the challenges of rural medicine would deter many, for her it just adds to the appeal.
"I would encourage (my peers and students) to have an open mind when it comes to a rural health career because of lifestyle and flexibility, as well as clinical variety," Dr Downton said.
"You can also feel like you're making a real difference in areas with significant workforce shortages."