Flying High for Outback Patients

More than a decade after arriving in northern Queensland from Canada, Dr Brianna Smith now splits her time between Mount Isa Hospital, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) and leading rural generalist training across the North West, roles shaped by a commitment to serving remote communities where access to care is limited. 

 A James Cook University graduate, her connection to Mount Isa began with the opportunity to practise broad clinical medicine with room to develop a full generalist scope, in a setting where clinicians are closely connected to the communities they serve. 

“Coming from rural Canada, I was drawn to Mount Isa by the chance to practise genuinely broad, hands-on medicine in a community where you’re truly needed,” Dr Smith said. 

“Living and working here has reshaped my view of remote medicine, not as ‘less than,’ but as medicine in its fullest form: close to community, deeply relational and incredibly meaningful.” 

 Her work spans hospital care, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, intensive care, remote emergency medicine and outreach clinics across the North West. The range of responsibilities has shaped both her clinical practice and her understanding of community health needs. 

  “The breadth here accelerates growth and the diversity stretches you in the best way,” Dr Smith explained.  

“Working across multiple departments and health services has broadened both my clinical skills and improved my sense of understanding of community needs in the North West. It’s shaped me into a more adaptable, resourceful doctor and reminds me how valuable true generalism is for rural patients and communities.” 

She says Mount Isa’s reputation as a remote posting does not reflect the daily reality. Instead, the professional and social networks create a strong sense of connection. 

 “Mount Isa has a remarkable sense of welcome and collegiality. Professionally and socially, there’s a strong culture of looking out for one another, across hospital teams and the wider community, which makes it feel connected rather than remote. There’s a generosity of spirit here where colleagues become friends, teams look after each other, and the community welcomes you in. Rather than isolation, I’ve experienced a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.” 

Much of her clinical work focuses on improving access to care for communities spread across large distances, including her role with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section). 

 “Much of our work is about bringing care closer to people rather than moving people far from home,” Dr Smith said. 

“My role with primary care with RFDS is all about helping reduce the inequities that distance creates. It’s deeply motivating to be part of care that reaches communities who might otherwise go without. I'm passionate about ensuring geography doesn’t determine outcomes and I'm an advocate for models that deliver safe, high-quality care in remote settings.” 

As Director of Rural Generalist Training, Dr Smith works closely with trainees who are building careers in the region. 

She says partnerships between the North West Hospital and Health Service and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) gives junior doctors access to procedural experience and supervision early in their training. 

“What excites me most is the depth of hands-on experience and mentorship available.

"Through the NWHHS and RFDS partnerships, trainees gain experience in procedural medicine and continuity of care in a supportive environment that genuinely invests in their development. They are exposed to some amazing clinical medicine and all the challenges of working remote under the supervision of very experienced rural generalists.” 

For doctors considering training in the North West, Dr Smith believes the experience offers both clinical growth and strong community ties. 

 “I’d say that stepping into a place like Mount Isa is both a professional and personal adventure. You’ll grow quickly, be genuinely valued, and join a community that supports you. If you’re drawn to meaningful medicine and real connection, it’s an incredibly rewarding place to train and work.”