He says rural and remote locations across Australia have difficulty recruiting and maintaining doctors but Dubbo has a particular problem.

“Orange is more likely to attract new doctors because it has Kinross Wolaroi School, a regional theatre and a large cohort of medical professionals,’’ Associate Professor Canalese said.

“A doctor heading to Orange is likely to be on a one-in-seven hospital roster while the same health professional would be required to work one in three in Dubbo because of the smaller number of doctors.

“Many of our long-time health professionals are ageing and looking to bow out of the exhausting working hours. Two more physicians - a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist - are heading to Dubbo and that’s a positive thing.

“However, due to lack of numbers we need to rely on the less ideal situation of specialists flying in and out for a day or two.”

“We couldn’t survive without the help and assistance of these colleagues but it is far better to have resident health professionals live in the community and the city.’’

Associate Professor Canalese came to Dubbo 29 years ago to do a locum for Dr David Hammill.

His career is a good example of a fulfilling rural medical and life experience. After training at Sydney University he worked at Royal North Shore Hospital before relocating to London.

“I had planned to return to a major teaching hospital but our first daughter was born and her grandparents lived in Dubbo,’’ he said. “I rapidly settled in and enjoyed the country medical experience, the welcome of my colleagues and the community.’’

Professor Canalese stayed

on as a consultant gastroenterologist.

Working and living in Dubbo provided professional satisfaction and the opportunity to contribute to the care of Dubbo citizens and those from surrounding towns.

Living in a regional city greatly reduced the time spent travelling to and from work, allowing involvement in social, sporting, cultural and community events.

Professor Canalese had a commitment to medical education, initially to nursing and medical students from various universities.

“When the School of Rural Health was established under Professor Rick McLean many doctors were very happy to be involved in the new clinical school,’’ he said.

“When Rick was seconded to Canberra I became associate dean. Living and practising medicine in the country has offered great rewards, both professional and personal.

“I have been able to raise three children and spend more time with them than may have been possible living in a busier city.

“It has brought unexpected rewards, such as an award from the Dubbo business community, a distinguished alumni award from the University of Sydney and a nomination as Dubbo Citizen of the Year.’’

heather.crosby@ruralpress.com