Although Dr Flynn loved surgical rotations during medical school, he was looking for something more in his career.
Dr Michael Flynn explains how rural generalists are committed to going above and beyond and providing human-centred health care.
Dr Michael Flynn is an AGPT rural generalist (RG) registrar currently based in the picturesque Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.
Originally thinking he would choose surgery as his specialty, Dr Flynn explains that although he loved surgical rotations during medical school he was looking for something more in his career.
“Rural generalism is so diverse and there are so many options for the types and ranges of work you can do. It was that, plus that flexibility of a having a great work-life balance that really drew me to this career path,” Dr Flynn says.
“ACRRM’s aim is to train junior doctors to be confident and capable to work in a rural setting across all aspects of healthcare. The college also runs courses Australia-wide which are specifically tailored to the skills and knowledge RGs need to acquire.
“I was also lucky enough to be paired with a great mentor who has over 25 years’ experience in rural generalism which has definitely made me feel at ease.
“Although it’s still early days in my RG training I have really enjoyed how every day is different and how I have the opportunity to work with a patient’s full range of medical and psychosocial issues in the order that works for them.”
Dr Flynn adds: “The thing I love most is at the end of the day when I’m finished work, I get to spend time doing what I love with the people I love. I’m an avid mountain bike rider so enjoy getting out and about to explore the region as often as I can.”
“Having quality time with my family, with my son, is probably the most important thing to me. I’m so grateful this pathway gives me the time in the day that I’ve got the opportunity to do that, every day.”
Watch Dr Michael Flynn’s video story here.
Dr Michael Flynn is an ACRRM Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) registrar. If you’re interested to find out more about training to Fellowship with ACRRM on the AGPT Program, visit ACRRM’s website.
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
