Sianna & Bridgette's Path to JCU Medicine

Sianna Green and Bridgette Kay have known each other most of their lives. From the southern Queensland town of Stanthorpe to James Cook University to study medicine, then to outback Mount Isa for fifth year placement – their lives have crisscrossed in the best way.

The medical students chose JCU to pursue medical dreams for different reasons. For Bridgette, the path to medicine followed an enjoyable work experience stint at the local hospital in Year 10.

“Working on ward rounds, home visits, geriatric care, trauma, paediatrics and attending a birth, this sparked my curiosity and cemented my passion for community-based care,” she said.

For Sianna, the journey was shaped by curiosity and a growing interest in healthcare.

“I knew I wanted a career that centred on people, and healthcare was the industry I was interested in the most. I never considered medicine until my senior years of high school, after a few work experiences in other allied health roles. I decided I liked the variety of work doctors can do and the fact that there is always more to learn,” Sianna says.

By coincidence, the pair reunited in Mount Isa, both enjoying the varied medicine and outback adventures the inland city delivered.

“It was by complete chance we got to experience this together. But I think because our roots are so similar, we will always end up meeting in similar spaces. Great minds think alike; and by that I mean small-town med students want to go back to the bush,” Sianna says.

“It was the best three months of my life. From a clinical point of view, it reaffirmed to me that Rural Generalism is what I want to eventually specialise in. It was great being in a smaller hospital because you are able to be more hands-on. I learn far better in the hospital than I do in books.

“It was eye-opening and I am grateful for the skills and experiences I was able to take away from it. There are so many additional challenges in the North West, and it was inspiring seeing how resilient staff and the community are to adversity.”

Life beyond the hospital proved just as memorable.

“We had the best time! Lots of line dancing, lots of picnics and lots of movie nights. I have made friends for life. We truly had a great group of students from universities all around Australia. It is so refreshing meeting new people who have had different paths and experiences to your own,” Sianna says.

“I learnt a lot about the perspectives of other health professionals in patient care and gained ideas about how to be a better team player in multidisciplinary teams in the future as a doctor. I think it’s really healthy to have a variety of friends, because then we can all learn from and with each other.”

Bridgette says their time was filled with outback adventures and local events.

“We enjoyed many local events and outings: a day trip to Camooweal to see the NT border, as well as a rodeo and some race days. At Easter we went camping in the national park. I also organised a local fundraising event for the McGrath Foundation,” she says.

Reflecting on their time at JCU, both students point to experiences that have shaped them both personally and professionally.

Bridgette: Living in Townsville for college was a formative time where I made close friends in and outside medicine. Moving to Cairns broadened my academic and personal growth. There have been too many incredible experiences to list, but those transitions stand out.

Sianna: My highlight would be my Thursday Island placement. I fell in love with the community. My plan is to move there for a few years after I finish training. I don’t stop talking about Thursday Island. When I first started seeing my long-term partner, it was actually part of the ‘deal’ that he had to agree to living on Thursday Island… A close second would be finding out I passed my first year. I really struggled with imposter syndrome and never thought I was going to get through because ‘I wasn’t smart enough.’ I am glad I proved myself wrong.

Bridgette says JCU’s strong sense of community and rural focus made it the right choice.

“JCU’s small-town feel appealed to me, many students have to move away from their hometowns for uni, so there’s a strong sense of shared experience. Its emphasis on rural health was also important; having seen the impact good doctors can have in rural communities, I wanted a university that supported that focus.”

For Sianna, the decision was clear from the start.

“I actually didn’t apply to any other medical schools! JCU seemed the most aligned to why I was pursuing a career in healthcare. Ultimately, I want to live, work and serve in rural communities. JCU has since handed me countless opportunities to get to know some of the most hospitable communities, such as Thursday Island, Barcaldine, Mt Isa and even my hometown, Stanthorpe. I really cannot fault the College; I’ve had the best five years!”

Both students are now looking ahead to a busy and exciting sixth year, with both quick to credit their families for the support that has got them this far.

“Moving away young brought unexpected challenges, but knowing I could return home and rely on them made a huge difference. Without them I would not have made it this far in medicine — they are the reason I am where I am now,” Bridgette says.

Sianna says her parents and extended family are based in the Stanthorpe area.

“I miss them a lot! It was a hard transition at first, as I moved to North Queensland without knowing anyone. But after the first few months you really find your feet. It makes coming home such a special thing now and I appreciate time spent with my loved ones more. Luckily, my sister moved up to JCU to study Vet after I didn’t stop harping on about how much I loved JCU! It has been fantastic being able to share the experience with her, and we even got to spend a year living on the same on-campus college,” she says.

“My sixth year is going to be a big one! Hopefully, I will complete my critical care placement in the Solomon Islands, and for my elective I hope to spend time in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Malta. I will then finish off with 20 weeks in Ingham, which I am beyond excited for. I am really hoping to work like an intern so that I’m prepared for the following year.

“After graduation, I hope to go to Toowoomba for internship on the Rural Generalism training pathway. I haven’t yet decided what Advanced Skill I would like but am strongly considering anaesthetics or obstetrics. I have a large ‘bucket list’ of places I want to work in my junior years as a doctor, so I hope to make my way around Queensland and the Northern Territory, ticking them off and getting as much experience as I can — with Mt Isa being one of them.”

For Bridgette, the year ahead includes 20 weeks in Cairns, 10 weeks in Tanzania and Malta, and 10 weeks at a rural site. After graduation, she hopes to enter the Rural Generalist pathway for internship and pursue a career in rural medicine, while remaining open to opportunities along the way.

All the best Bridgette and Sianna, what bright futures you both have ahead of you!