Associate Professor Paul Lunney is Head of the Rural Clinical School (Dubbo/Orange) at the ±¬ÁÏÍõ's School of Rural Health, where he provides strategic leadership for rural medical education programs in Dubbo and Orange. Also a practising General Practitioner with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, he is committed to improving health outcomes in rural and remote communities through sustainable healthcare delivery, workforce development, and the training of future rural doctors.
How did you come to work in Dubbo?
When I was medical student, I completed an extended rural placement through the School of Rural Health in Dubbo. This experience was pivotal in building my future career as a rural doctor. As a student I experienced passionate tutors and clinical supervisors who supported my education, and a community that was warm and welcoming. Following graduation, I returned to Dubbo to complete my internship and residency at Dubbo Hospital, then completed general practice training in the western NSW region.
How has working in a regional centre shaped you, professionally or personally?
It has enhanced my sense of belonging, meaning, purpose and community-mindedness. I care a lot about the people of this town and the wider region, and I am invested in its future.
How has your work contributed to or had an impact on community?
My work focuses on improving access to healthcare for people who face significant barriers due to geographic isolation, limited availability of health services and socioeconomic disadvantage. People in regional and remote areas have limited access to health services and experience poorer health outcomes relative to metropolitan counterparts. In my clinical role, I am a General Practitioner and Rural Generalist with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing primary healthcare services to remote communities across western NSW. The opportunity to provide medical care in communities with the greatest need was one of the key reasons I was drawn to live and work in Dubbo.
As the Head of Rural Clinical School in Dubbo/Orange, I’m in a privileged position where I also have the opportunity to impact the next generation of doctors. Our mission is to deliver high-quality medical education in a rural environment, and to build the future rural medical workforce.Â
How do strong community connections and trust in medical care influence health outcomes?
Connection and trust are critical to effective healthcare delivery. This can’t be developed overnight. Continuity of care is influential in promoting positive health outcomes. Building connection, understanding and appreciating communities and their people requires a genuine commitment to relationship building, as well as respect and curiosity about people.
Connection and trust are critical to effective healthcare delivery. This can't be developed overnight.
Associate Professor Paul Lunney
Head of Clinical School, School of Rural Health (Dubbo/Orange)
What are the most important outcomes you hope to see as Head of the Dubbo clinical school?
In time, addressing the maldistribution of the health workforce across NSW and Australia, such that regional, rural and remote communities have equitable access to health care services and improved health outcomes.
What is of key significance for you in training the next generation of rural doctors?
There is strong evidence that those from rural backgrounds and those who complete training in rural areas are more likely to remain within the rural health workforce in the longer term. The School of Rural Health (Dubbo/Orange) has leveraged this information in offering extended rural placements to medical students for the past 25 years. In 2022, we expanded our educational offering to deliver the ±¬ÁÏÍõ’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo, in addition to continuing our extended rural placements in Orange. We’ve had more than 1200 medical students come through the doors of Dubbo and Orange, and we are aware of the substantial impact our graduates have on rural healthcare.
What do students sometimes underestimate about rural practice/health before they experience it?
Students sometimes perceive they may miss out coming to a rural location – less options with regard to personal or leisure pursuits, and less professional networking and career development opportunities. I’d move to reassure them that rural communities such as Dubbo and Orange are incredibly connected, active and welcoming. Students receive a world-class clinical education with hands-on learning experiences that equip them well for future practice in any healthcare context. Our rural clinicians are extremely skilled and talented individuals, who are invested in seeing our students succeed. Taking the opportunity to experience rural health during medical school will in fact open doors for your future career.Â
What is your best memory of campus life?Â
My year spent in Dubbo was transformative. Prior to this experience, I didn't think I would end up living, working, nor advocating for rural health and education.
What have been some of the biggest challenges and highlights you've faced during your career?Â
Practising in remote communities, in non-purpose-built healthcare clinics and facilities under severe resource constraint with limited clinical supports; but nonetheless striving to deliver high quality, person-centred care on all occasions. It’s been both challenging and rewarding.
What advice would you give to others who aspire to following this path?Â
Rural medicine is incredibly fulfilling, personally and professionally. Your work has high potential for great impact. Follow this aspiration.
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