Former RDN Cadet sends a strong message to those considering a career in rural health

“Just do it.” 

While she hasn’t gained a Nike sponsorship just yet, the message from former RDN Cadet Dr Catherine Hitches couldn’t be clearer about whether or not choosing a regional location to pursue a career in medicine is a good choice.  

“While it can be daunting to move from the area in which you graduate university, I highly recommend going regional,” Dr Hitches said.  

Dr Hitches attended medical school through the University of Newcastle and was awarded a cadetship through the Rural Doctors Network before joining the team at Wagga Wagga. 

“I was inspired by the passion for healthcare shown in regional towns, as well as the very wide breadth of clinical presentations to these referral centres,” Dr Hitches said. 

“Wagga has been a fantastic place to live and train for my junior doctor years,” she said. “In my experience you’re supported well, you belong to a tight knit community, and your seniors take an active interest in your learning. You’ll be better for it.” 

Twelve Resident Medical Officers (RMO)s at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital (WWBH), including Dr Catherine Hitches, are former Junior Medical Officers (JMO)s, who have opted to continue working at the facility in 2025.  

“Wagga has a good reputation for the training of junior doctors revolving around a culture focused on teaching, and a supportive medical administration team,” she said. 

Dr Hitches told NSW Health the highlight of her junior doctor years has been working with the medical and allied health teams aiming to provide stability to a patient’s health.  

“Being a JMO in Wagga has been great, and I would tell myself two years ago it was the right decision to come here. 

“The teaching you receive and the wide breadth of general medicine and surgical presentations you are exposed to in the emergency department, paediatrics, psychiatry, anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, pathology, rehabilitation medicine, radiology, rural GP, and the intensive care unit, are a great foundation to start from.” 

And for those wondering what to do outside of work? 

“Summer spent at the barbecues by the river, or walking the dog around the lake and winters can be spent at the snowfields nearby or in front of the fireplace.”  

While Dr Hitches will be spending another year at WWBH in the Emergency Department as a Senior Resident Medical Officer, her aim is to broaden her emergency skills for use in more rural towns later in her career. 

With GP training in the Murrumbidgee planned, before considering advanced skills training in paediatrics or mental health further down the line, Dr Hitches is sending a strong message to those considering a career in rural health. 

Take a break, have a kit kat? No. 

As Dr Hitches said “just do it”.  

Regional and rural medical careers offer a great alternative to practising in metropolitan regions. Enjoy a rewarding career, work-life balance, and welcoming communities by learning about what’s on offer in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District here.  

 

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