From Overseas Dream to Regional Practice

Dr Abdul Kalam Rawther's path to medicine began in the United Kingdom but found its purpose in regional Queensland, where he is now building his career as an intern in Mackay.  

His journey reflects how international students drawn to James Cook University’s mission often go on to train and serve in regional communities, where clinical opportunity, mentorship and continuity of care shape both professional growth and long-term career direction. 

“I chose to begin my internship in Mackay for several reasons,” he says. 

“As a JCU student who spent my final two years studying in Mackay, I had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with several clinicians who were excellent mentors during my academic years. Given my strong interest in psychiatry, I particularly enjoyed my mental health rotations here and formed meaningful connections with the teams. These experiences strongly influenced my desire to pursue further training in Mackay and to continue working within an environment that I already knew to be supportive and enriching.” 

A place to build a long-term career 

Mackay Hospital and Health Service supports a population of nearly 200,000 people across eight hospitals and four community health facilities, offering junior doctors’ exposure to a wide range of clinical presentations while working in a regional referral setting. For Dr Rawther, the region offers a professional experience that is both hands-on and collaborative. 

“From my perspective as a new intern, Mackay offers outstanding opportunities for junior doctors interested in regional practice,” he says.  

“The hands-on clinical exposure is excellent not only because of workforce demand, but also due to a strong and genuinely supportive teaching culture. Consultants, registrars, RMOs, nursing staff, and allied health professionals all contribute to an environment where learning is prioritised and junior doctors are encouraged to grow.” 

He says the balance between career opportunity and lifestyle is one of the region’s strongest advantages. 

“What stood out most to me about Mackay, compared with other centres, is the balance it offers,” he explains. 

“It has the warmth and close-knit feel of a regional community while still providing the amenities and lifestyle options one would expect from a larger town. I enjoy the sense of familiarity that comes from seeing colleagues and patients outside of work and witnessing their progress over time. It is a reminder that there is more to people than their clinical roles or presentations.” 

That sense of continuity has helped him settle quickly into both professional and personal life. 

“Professionally, I am really enjoying the opportunity to work alongside clinicians I previously worked with as a student, but now as a contributing and effective member of the team,” he says.  

“Having familiarity with some colleagues has helped build my confidence early on, and I value the mutual trust and support that exists within the workplace. I am motivated to continue demonstrating that I am a reliable and capable member of the team.” 

Lifestyle and connection beyond the hospital 

Beyond the professional opportunities, Dr Rawther says Mackay offers an environment where doctors can genuinely balance career progression with personal wellbeing. The region’s beaches, rainforests and relaxed pace of life are complemented by a strong sense of community connection. 

“On a personal level, I have enjoyed settling into life in Mackay. I make a conscious effort to maintain balance outside of work by spending time reading at a favourite local café on weekends and exploring the growing range of restaurants in the area. Most importantly, I get to share this experience with my partner, who is also pursuing medicine here as a student.” 

His connection to northern Queensland began during his time at James Cook University, where the institution’s rural health focus played a significant role in shaping his career direction. 

“As an international student completing high school in the UK, one of my English teachers led a study abroad club and introduced me to various universities offering medical degrees, one of which was JCU.

"I was deeply inspired by JCU’s founding mission to address the health inequalities faced by rural and remote communities. It was the first medical school I had come across that was built on such a strong sense of social responsibility and purpose. I immediately felt that JCU embodied the same values I hold about medicine which are compassion, service, and equity in healthcare.” 

For medical students and junior doctors considering regional training, Dr Rawther believes Mackay offers both continuity and long-term career opportunity. 

Even within my first few weeks, I feel I have learned a great deal, and I am excited by how much further development the next two years will bring,” he says.  

“From a personal career standpoint, I was particularly encouraged by the fact that psychiatry training can be completed entirely in Mackay. As someone who is keen to establish long term roots, this continuity is highly appealing, and I believe it will be similarly attractive to other junior doctors with comparable interests.” 

Looking back on his journey from international student to regional intern, Dr Rawther believes northern Queensland offers something uniquely valuable to aspiring doctors — the chance to combine clinical excellence with genuine community impact. 

“I would be grateful to continue my training and career within Mackay or other regional centres in Queensland, contributing to the same communities that have shaped me into the doctor I aspire to be.”