From medical graduate to country practice

Dr Natalie Payne spent her childhood roaming the family farm and attending the local school in Karoonda.

“On a whim in year 12, I decided to sit the UMAT. After the first six-months I was hooked, it was definitely the degree for me.” she said

Natalie moved from her family home in 2005 to study a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Adelaide. She graduated in 2010.

“I used the scholarship to help cover living expenses, text books and a laptop. It also contributed to an elective in Papua New Guinea, where I was able to experience a very different hospital environment at Kompiam.”

“Living away from home would have been very difficult without the scholarship, and I would have spent far less time studying and much more time working to support myself during my degree.”

Life after university

“After finishing university, I worked at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for two years and then entered General Practice Training in the rural scheme. I have worked at Tanunda Medical Centre since 2013.” 

“I've been involved in the state council for The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and commenced a teaching role with the University of Adelaide Rural Clinical School in 2019 with the local medical students, which I will continue in 2020 while shifting pace to have a family.”

Career highlights

“I think General Practice lends itself to regular highlights and lowlights almost every day – seeing patients across their life and the successes and achievements they have, or their recovery from illness or improvement in chronic disease are the highlights for me. In contrast, seeing the struggles that people go through and fight against is very challenging.”

A message for our donor community

“Thank you and please continue to donate, the scholarship is so helpful in shaping a positive and productive experience while studying at the University of Adelaide.”