The Talking Country Health Podcast Wed, 20 May 2026 08:19:29 -0400 https://podcast.rwav.com.au/ en © 2026 The Talking Country Health Podcast yes dc210b41-2a3e-562a-84a4-85980cb2c5d1 Rural Workforce Agency Victoria episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Rural Workforce Agency Victoria https://storage.buzzsprout.com/euoh6ls91g9zlcv6388ltm6okztk?.jpg The Talking Country Health Podcast https://podcast.rwav.com.au/ From biotech entrepreneur to rural GP, Dr Hugo Stephenson has come full circle. From biotech entrepreneur to rural GP, Dr Hugo Stephenson has come full circle. From Biotech to Bush Medicine: Dr Hugo’s Rural Return 

In a recent episode of the Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr Hugo Stephenson shares his remarkable journey back to medicine in rural Victoria. 

After training in medicine, Dr Hugo built and led international biotech companies, running clinical trials across the United States and Europe. Yet despite his global success, he found himself drawn back to the clinical frontline. 

Now working at Goldfields Medical Hub in Castlemaine, Dr Hugo has rediscovered what he values most, connecting with patients and being part of a community. For him, rural general practice offers something unique. It allows time to build relationships, follow up with patients, and support people through every stage of life. 

With decades of experience across industries and continents, he brings perspective and reassurance to his consultations. His message to other health professionals is simple, it is never too late to change direction. 

If you are considering a new chapter in your medical career, rural practice could be closer than you think. 

To learn more about opportunities in country Victoria, visit www.rwav.com.au. And to access Dr Hugo’s full podcast transcript click here. 

]]> From Biotech to Bush Medicine: Dr Hugo’s Rural Return 

In a recent episode of the Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr Hugo Stephenson shares his remarkable journey back to medicine in rural Victoria. 

After training in medicine, Dr Hugo built and led international biotech companies, running clinical trials across the United States and Europe. Yet despite his global success, he found himself drawn back to the clinical frontline. 

Now working at Goldfields Medical Hub in Castlemaine, Dr Hugo has rediscovered what he values most, connecting with patients and being part of a community. For him, rural general practice offers something unique. It allows time to build relationships, follow up with patients, and support people through every stage of life. 

With decades of experience across industries and continents, he brings perspective and reassurance to his consultations. His message to other health professionals is simple, it is never too late to change direction. 

If you are considering a new chapter in your medical career, rural practice could be closer than you think. 

To learn more about opportunities in country Victoria, visit www.rwav.com.au. And to access Dr Hugo’s full podcast transcript click here. 

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-18660385 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +1100 1364 full false Finding Home in Camperdown: Simi’s Journey from India to Rural Victoria Finding Home in Camperdown: Simi’s Journey from India to Rural Victoria Meet Simi James, a mental health clinician at SouthWest Healthcare in Camperdown, who relocated from Kerala, India, to pursue her passion for community mental health in rural Victoria. 

In this episode, Simi shares her inspiring journey of adapting to a new country, finding a sense of belonging in a small town, and delivering meaningful care across the Camperdown region. She also talks about how RWAV supported her relocation and helped her settle into her new community. 

“Growth comes with being a little uncomfortable at first. But with the right support, you can build a new home and thrive.” 

Listen to the full Talking Country Health Podcast with Simmy & RWAV. 

Read the full transcript here.

]]> Meet Simi James, a mental health clinician at SouthWest Healthcare in Camperdown, who relocated from Kerala, India, to pursue her passion for community mental health in rural Victoria. 

In this episode, Simi shares her inspiring journey of adapting to a new country, finding a sense of belonging in a small town, and delivering meaningful care across the Camperdown region. She also talks about how RWAV supported her relocation and helped her settle into her new community. 

“Growth comes with being a little uncomfortable at first. But with the right support, you can build a new home and thrive.” 

Listen to the full Talking Country Health Podcast with Simmy & RWAV. 

Read the full transcript here.

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-18085021 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +1100 840 full false From London to Mildura: Darren Riggon’s Mission to Deliver Purposeful Mental Health Care in Rural Victoria From London to Mildura: Darren Riggon’s Mission to Deliver Purposeful Mental Health Care in Rural Victoria In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning London, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and now regional Victoria, Darren shares how his professional journey has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving mental health care. 

Originally trained in the UK, Darren brings decades of experience in acute psychiatry, community mental health, education, and leadership roles. After working across major city hospitals and even the prison system, it was the pull of meaningful, community-connected work that led him to rural Victoria. 

“If you want a quieter lifestyle, purposeful work, and the chance to be creative, rural health is the place for you,” he says. “Just do it. Don’t overthink it.” Darren says 

Listen to the full episode now to hear Darren’s inspiring journey and insights. 

]]> In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning London, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and now regional Victoria, Darren shares how his professional journey has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving mental health care. 

Originally trained in the UK, Darren brings decades of experience in acute psychiatry, community mental health, education, and leadership roles. After working across major city hospitals and even the prison system, it was the pull of meaningful, community-connected work that led him to rural Victoria. 

“If you want a quieter lifestyle, purposeful work, and the chance to be creative, rural health is the place for you,” he says. “Just do it. Don’t overthink it.” Darren says 

Listen to the full episode now to hear Darren’s inspiring journey and insights. 

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-17512408 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +1000 1008 full false Bridging Heart Health and Community: Dr Jennifer Coller’s Rural Mission Bridging Heart Health and Community: Dr Jennifer Coller’s Rural Mission In this episode, host Andrew Maher speaks with Dr Jennifer Coller, a general and heart failure cardiologist whose passion for health equity has taken her from the busy hospitals of Melbourne to the wide-open roads of regional Victoria. 

From improving women’s heart health to supporting First Nations communities, Jennifer’s story is one of heart, dedication and lasting impact. Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how she is making a difference in rural health!

]]> In this episode, host Andrew Maher speaks with Dr Jennifer Coller, a general and heart failure cardiologist whose passion for health equity has taken her from the busy hospitals of Melbourne to the wide-open roads of regional Victoria. 

From improving women’s heart health to supporting First Nations communities, Jennifer’s story is one of heart, dedication and lasting impact. Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how she is making a difference in rural health!

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-17499191 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +1000 1068 full false Ever wondered what it's like to be a rural GP? Tune in to hear Dr Louise Manning inspirational rural health Journey! Ever wondered what it's like to be a rural GP? Tune in to hear Dr Louise Manning inspirational rural health Journey! In the latest Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr. Louise Manning—Rural GP Obstetrician, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, and Board Director at RWAV—shares her inspiring journey from small-town Woodend to life as a rural GP.

From balancing hospital shifts to community care and even growing her own veggies, Dr. Manning talks about the rewards, challenges, and flexibility of rural medicine—and how RWAV supported her along the way.

Whether you're a health professional exploring rural opportunities or just love a good story, this episode is a must-listen.

]]> In the latest Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr. Louise Manning—Rural GP Obstetrician, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, and Board Director at RWAV—shares her inspiring journey from small-town Woodend to life as a rural GP.

From balancing hospital shifts to community care and even growing her own veggies, Dr. Manning talks about the rewards, challenges, and flexibility of rural medicine—and how RWAV supported her along the way.

Whether you're a health professional exploring rural opportunities or just love a good story, this episode is a must-listen.

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-16230948 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +1100 835 full false Exploring Rural Healthcare with Dr Deborah Amott Exploring Rural Healthcare with Dr Deborah Amott In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. 

From her roots in Melbourne to providing essential services in rural and Indigenous communities, Dr. Amott discusses the challenges and rewards of her work. Discover how simple surgeries can transform lives, particularly for children facing hearing difficulties and breathing issues. 

Join us as we dive into Dr Amott’s experiences and insights into the vital role healthcare professionals play in rural areas.

Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how you can make a difference in rural health!

]]> In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. 

From her roots in Melbourne to providing essential services in rural and Indigenous communities, Dr. Amott discusses the challenges and rewards of her work. Discover how simple surgeries can transform lives, particularly for children facing hearing difficulties and breathing issues. 

Join us as we dive into Dr Amott’s experiences and insights into the vital role healthcare professionals play in rural areas.

Listen now to hear her incredible stories and learn how you can make a difference in rural health!

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-15867037 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +1000 1034 full false It’s Nice, A bit different, A bit unusual It’s Nice, A bit different, A bit unusual Allied Health New Service Grant Buzzsprout-15779142 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +1000 94 2 full false Is the Allied Health New Service Grant right for you? Is the Allied Health New Service Grant right for you? Allied Health New Service Grant Buzzsprout-15779139 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +1000 61 1 full false Is this the right opportunity for me? Is this the right opportunity for me? Allied Health and Nursing Upskilling Grant Buzzsprout-15779132 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +1000 119 1 full false What you can and can't use funding for? What you can and can't use funding for? Allied Health New Service Grant Buzzsprout-15779145 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +1000 63 3 full false Why should I apply? Why should I apply? Allied Health and Nursing Upskilling Grant Buzzsprout-15779135 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +1000 68 3 full false Quickfire Application Tips: Hot and Cold Quickfire Application Tips: Hot and Cold Allied Health New Service Grant Buzzsprout-15779147 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +1000 158 4 full false When should I apply? When should I apply? Allied Health and Nursing Upskilling Grant Buzzsprout-15779134 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +1000 82 2 full false What is it? What is it? Student University Clinical Aptitude Test Preparation Grant Buzzsprout-15779115 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 96 1 full false What is it? What is it? Student Postgraduate Psychology Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779055 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 99 1 full false What is it? What is it? Student Clinical Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779045 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 78 1 full false Am I eligible for this grant? Am I eligible for this grant? Medical Professional Development Buzzsprout-15779030 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 99 1 full false Am I eligible for this grant? Am I eligible for this grant? Business Training Grant Buzzsprout-15779009 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 67 1 full false Am I eligible for this grant? Am I eligible for this grant? Health Workforce Scholarship Program Buzzsprout-15777863 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000 226 4 full false Who’s it for? Who’s it for? Student University Clinical Aptitude Test Preparation Grant Buzzsprout-15779117 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 120 2 full false Who’s it for? Who’s it for? Student Postgraduate Psychology Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779056 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 178 2 full false Who’s it for? Who’s it for? Student Clinical Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779047 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 124 2 full false What sorts of activities could I claim for? What sorts of activities could I claim for? Medical Professional Development Buzzsprout-15779036 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 112 3 full false What sorts of activities could I claim for? What sorts of activities could I claim for? Business Training Grant Buzzsprout-15779016 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 96 2 full false  What sort of activities could I claim for?  What sort of activities could I claim for? Health Workforce Scholarship Program Buzzsprout-15777874 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000 154 3 full false What do I have to do? What do I have to do? Student University Clinical Aptitude Test Preparation Grant Buzzsprout-15779122 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 116 3 full false What do I have to do? What do I have to do? Student Postgraduate Psychology Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779057 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 109 3 full false What do I have to do? What do I have to do? Student Clinical Placement Grant Buzzsprout-15779051 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 88 3 full false How much funding can I get? How much funding can I get? Medical Professional Development Buzzsprout-15779032 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 183 2 full false How much funding can I get? How much funding can I get? Business Training Grant Buzzsprout-15779018 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 136 3 full false How much funding can I get? How much funding can I get? Health Workforce Scholarship Program Buzzsprout-15777881 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +1000 151 2 full false How do I apply for the grant? How do I apply for the grant? Medical Professional Development Buzzsprout-15779037 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +1000 160 4 full false How do I apply for the grant? How do I apply for the grant? Business Training Grant Buzzsprout-15779005 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +1000 139 4 full false How do I apply for the grant? How do I apply for the grant? Health Workforce Scholarship Program Buzzsprout-15777887 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +1000 143 1 full false Dr. Patrick Campisi on being RWAV Employed Locum GP Dr. Patrick Campisi on being RWAV Employed Locum GP Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Patrick Campisi an RWAV-employed locum, currently residing in Robinvale, a beautiful town located an hour away from Mildura in the Murray River Bay region of northwest Victoria. During our conversation, Dr. Campisi shared his background and career journey, as well as his experiences working in Indigenous health and locum work.

]]> Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Patrick Campisi an RWAV-employed locum, currently residing in Robinvale, a beautiful town located an hour away from Mildura in the Murray River Bay region of northwest Victoria. During our conversation, Dr. Campisi shared his background and career journey, as well as his experiences working in Indigenous health and locum work.

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-12593025 Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +1000 1274 full false Dr Angela Stratton on being a Rural Generalist Dr Angela Stratton on being a Rural Generalist Dr Angela Stratton is a Rural Generalist at the Mount Beauty Medical Centre and Visiting Medical Officer at Alpine Health and Albury Wodonga Health. She worked previously as a GP Obstetrician for Albury-Wodonga Health. Angela has a special interest and training in Alpine Medicine, working as part of the Falls Creek Medical Centre team during winter. Angela is passionate about rural medical education and training. She is an enthusiastic supervisor of medical students, Interns and GP/RG Registrars. She is also part of ACRRM's exam and REST instructor team.
Tune in to this episode for some exciting stories about working on snow fields, being a mum and a doctor and for some advice on working in rural Victoria.
Do you want to make the move to country Victoria? Check out our vacancies page - https://www.rwav.com.au/vacancies/

]]> Dr Angela Stratton is a Rural Generalist at the Mount Beauty Medical Centre and Visiting Medical Officer at Alpine Health and Albury Wodonga Health. She worked previously as a GP Obstetrician for Albury-Wodonga Health. Angela has a special interest and training in Alpine Medicine, working as part of the Falls Creek Medical Centre team during winter. Angela is passionate about rural medical education and training. She is an enthusiastic supervisor of medical students, Interns and GP/RG Registrars. She is also part of ACRRM's exam and REST instructor team.
Tune in to this episode for some exciting stories about working on snow fields, being a mum and a doctor and for some advice on working in rural Victoria.
Do you want to make the move to country Victoria? Check out our vacancies page - https://www.rwav.com.au/vacancies/

]]> Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Buzzsprout-10329212 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +1100 938 2 3 full false Dr Monika Jones on RWAV Census Dr Monika Jones on RWAV Census The post Dr Monika Jones on RWAV Census appeared first on The Talking Country Health Podcast.

]]> The post Dr Monika Jones on RWAV Census appeared first on The Talking Country Health Podcast.

]]> Prabhjot Kaur https://podcast.rwav.com.au/?post_type=episode&p=235 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 11:11:23 +1100 805 2 1 false Dr Andrew Horwood on Pain Management Dr Andrew Horwood on Pain Management Welcome to the Talking Country Health podcast brought to you by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria. Tune in to our latest […]

The post Dr Andrew Horwood on Pain Management appeared first on The Talking Country Health Podcast.

]]> Welcome to the Talking Country Health podcast brought to you by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria. Tune in to our latest […]

The post Dr Andrew Horwood on Pain Management appeared first on The Talking Country Health Podcast.

]]> Prabhjot Kaur https://podcast.rwav.com.au/?post_type=episode&p=226 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:32:29 +1000 762 1 14 false