Dr Sophie Yeates

Meet Dr Sophie Yeates:

GPRA Dr Debbie Stach Scholarship recipient in 2024

In the remote town of Nhulunbuy, nestled in East Arnhem Land, Dr Sophie Yeates is making a profound impact on the health and well-being of her community.

As the recipient of the prestigious GPRA Dr Debbie Stach Scholarship, Sophie embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and compassion that the award seeks to honour.

The award celebrates the life of Dr Stach, who died tragically in a car accident in 2004 soon after completing her GP training.

It is presented annually to one GP registrar enrolled in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program in the NT.

Winning the GPRA Dr Debbie Stach Scholarship has been a significant milestone in Sophie’s career.

This $10,000 award recognises her outstanding approach to medicine, her commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes in the NT, and her professionalism in work, education, and training environments.

“I strive to demonstrate the award criteria in my approach to medicine, and I am grateful for being recognised for my commitment to pursuing general practice training in the NT,” she says.

Sophie says the scholarship also helps alleviate the financial burden of living remotely and allows her to visit her family more frequently.

“I really enjoy living remotely and the work and lifestyle opportunities this affords,” she explains.

“However, living days’ travel and costly flights away from my family means I do not see them nearly as much as I would like.

“This scholarship will help reduce the financial barriers to visiting the people who have always provided me support from afar,” she added.

Sophie’s journey to Nhulunbuy has been anything but straightforward.

“I find it difficult to pin down exactly where I am from as I moved around a lot during both my training and school years,” she says.

Born in Brisbane, she attended Monash University for medical school and began her career as a junior doctor in Melbourne. However, a desire to work in rural and remote areas led her to Alice Springs in 2022.

Her childhood experiences living in various towns across Central and Southeast Queensland and the Pilbara in Western Australia shaped her early understanding of the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“I first considered a career in medicine in my later primary school years when I was living in Dampier in the Pilbara,” she recalls.

“This is where I first recognised the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“This realisation sparked my desire to make a difference in these communities.”

Working in remote areas comes with its unique set of challenges.

Sophie has faced numerous obstacles, particularly in dealing with poverty-related conditions and providing care to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“Most of the challenges I have faced in pursuing a career as a GP have been related to working in remote locations with socioeconomically disadvantaged people,” she shares.

“Providing care frequently to victims of domestic and sexual violence undoubtedly took a toll on me as a health professional and as a person.”

Despite these difficulties, Sophie remains committed to her work.

Her determination to improve Indigenous health outcomes in the Northern Territory and her dedication to her patients have been unwavering.

“For me, these challenges have contributed to both my professional and personal development, and I am a better doctor because of them,” she says.

Sophie’s decision to pursue a career in general practice was driven by her love for the diversity of the skillset required and the opportunity to subspecialise in areas of interest.

She currently works part-time at a private general practice in Nhulunbuy and part-time at Gove District Hospital as a rural generalist registrar.

“The most rewarding aspect of general practice for me has been providing ongoing care to my patients and the privilege of supporting them through different stages of their lives,” she says.

Empathy, open-mindedness, and good listening skills are traits she believes are essential for a GP.

These qualities have undoubtedly contributed to her success and recognition as an outstanding GP registrar.

In the next five to 10 years, Sophie envisions herself working between general practice and as a GP obstetrician at a rural maternity service.

She also hopes to incorporate public health into her work after completing her Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine this year.

“I hope to be working between general practice and as a GP obstetrician at a rural maternity service. I also hope to incorporate public health into my work,” she says.

Sophie is deeply appreciative of the recognition and support she has received through being awarded the GPRA Dr Debbie Stach Scholarship.

“Being a healthcare worker is never an easy job, but healthcare workers in the remote NT face unique challenges related to geographical isolation, the provision of culturally safe care, and the high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage contributing to health disparities,” she explains.

“Having worked through these challenges makes it especially rewarding to be recognised with this scholarship.”

As Dr Sophie Yeates continues her journey in the Northern Territory, she remains a shining example of dedication, compassion, and excellence in general practice.

Her work not only honours the legacy of Dr Debbie Stach, but also paves the way for future generations of healthcare professionals committed to making a difference in rural and remote communities.

Dr Yeates will be officially presented with her scholarship at a special dinner on 7 September in Darwin during the inaugural GPRA NT Annual GP Registrars Forum event (6-8 September)

Find out more about the NT Forum, and secure your place