Dr Ashton Kelly
Dr Ashton Kelly stands at the heart of rural healthcare in Far North Queensland, a testament to the rewarding yet challenging path of a rural generalist.
His journey from the suburbs of Maitland in New South Wales to the remote corners of Tasmania, and now to Wuchopperen Health Service in Cairns, speaks to a deep commitment to community-focused medicine, underscored by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his patients.
Ashton’s story offers an inspiring example for medical students and pre-vocational doctors considering rural generalism, and highlights the vital role of the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) in his career development.
Born and raised on Wonnarua Country in Maitland, Ashton reflects fondly on his early years.
His family’s working-class roots, his Welsh, Irish, and Danish heritage, and the close-knit community that shaped his values played a central role in his life.
He is quick to credit his upbringing as a strong motivator behind his eventual career choice.
“I always had a sense of wanting to give back, to be of service to those less fortunate,” Ashton recalls.
“Medicine seemed like the path where I could make a real impact, but it was my friend and mentor Professor Kypros Kypri – a very successful and impactful epidemiologist – who truly guided me towards this vocation.
“He was the one who believed in my capacity to become a doctor and strongly influenced me in this direction.
“Intellectually and morally, he was probably my most important mentor. He tragically died very young last year.”
Ashton’s academic journey took him from a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Newcastle to his medical degree at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Along the way, he earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney, combining his love for medicine with a strong interest in public health.
As Ashton’s career unfolded, choosing general practice wasn’t an easy or immediate decision.
“I spent a lot of time questioning whether general practice was the right path for me,” he admits.
“For a long time, I thought Public Health would be my career. In this capacity I worked at the World Health Organisation and International Red Cross on international issues.
“However, I missed connecting with people directly and felt very distanced from health issues in those roles.”
It wasn’t just about clinical practice for Ashton. He sought to find his place in a profession where he could build meaningful relationships with patients and the community around him.
“General practice allows for that depth of connection,” he says. “There’s an intimacy in this field that other specialties often miss.
“You’re embedded in the community, becoming a central figure in the lives of your patients, which carries immense responsibility but also profound privilege.”
Ashton spent two formative years practising in the small coastal town of Bicheno in remote Tasmania.
It was a steep learning curve, but one that solidified his passion for rural and remote health.
“In remote practice, you quickly learn to depend on your peers,” Ashton says.
“There’s a sense of isolation, but also a strong camaraderie. You form real connections with your colleagues and patients, something I hadn’t experienced in city-based roles.”
The most rewarding part of remote general practice, he explains, is the authenticity of the doctor-patient relationship.
“A good GP creates a space where anyone, regardless of their background or mistakes, can have a heartfelt conversation. It’s life-changing for the patient, and often for the doctor too.”
One experience, during a night shift in Hobart Private Emergency Department, particularly sticks with him.
“An elderly lady was brought in from home by ambulance, and I quickly appreciated she was dying. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we could not contact family members,” he says.
“I recall sitting by her side and stretching my arms out over the bedrails to reach her hands.
“She held onto my hands as I explained to her that she was dying and would likely soon lose consciousness.
“I apologised to her that I could not contact any family members, and I remember the tears starting to cloud my vision. She simply held my hand and drifted off to sleep.
“I sat there for a while with her hand still warm in mine and I reflected on my immense privilege in that role.
“It’s those moments of sincere shared humanity between people that clinical medicine affords, and I try to be open to this every day.”
For Ashton, the challenges and rewards of rural practice are intrinsically linked.
“Working in rural areas forces you to confront clinical uncertainty,” he explains.
“You don’t always have access to the resources available in metropolitan hospitals.
“It teaches you to be comfortable with ambiguity, to make the best decisions with the tools at hand, and to communicate that uncertainty to patients in a way that reassures them.”
He highlights that rural practice demands honesty and humility.
“You need to know your limitations and when to ask for help. It’s a humbling experience, but one that allows you to grow both professionally and personally.”
Ashton’s commitment to remote healthcare is clear in his current role at Wuchopperen Health Service, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) in central Cairns.
“I’m deeply committed to supporting our First Nations communities,” he shares.
“In the long run, I’d like to take on a leadership role in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health, to advocate politically for types of social and infrastructure changes that are needed to improve the wellbeing of our First Nations peoples.”
Ashton credits much of his professional growth to the RVTS.
“I can sincerely say that without RVTS, I’m not sure I would have completed my training,” he states.
“RVTS offers something unique – a tailored approach that truly understands the challenges of working in remote areas.
“Their one-on-one support was invaluable as I navigated the demands of training alongside my family’s needs.”
The RVTS’s training workshops also provided Ashton with opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.
“It’s such a relaxed, engaging environment, where you can really yarn with your peers and mentors.
“I’ve formed some incredible relationships through RVTS that have been crucial to my success.”
Looking to the future, Ashton envisions himself continuing to serve rural communities, particularly in Indigenous healthcare.
“I’m passionate about being a part of meaningful change for First Nations peoples.
“If I could earn the trust and approval of the community, I would be honoured to take on a senior leadership role in this field.”
As for his message to those considering a career in rural generalism, Ashton is unequivocal: “If you want to make a real difference, not just in medicine but in people’s lives, rural general practice is the path for you.
“It will challenge you, yes, but it will also shape you into a doctor who understands the value of community, connection, and humanity.”
For Dr Ashton Kelly, rural generalism isn’t just a career – it’s a calling.
