Embracing rural generalism and the RVTS pathway
For Dr Ananda Hagoda Arachchi, medicine wasn’t a childhood dream or a meticulously planned career choice.
Growing up in Sri Lanka and studying at the University of Ruhuna, he initially aspired to become a wildlife ranger or join the military.
“My parents guided me towards medicine, and while it wasn’t my first choice, I’m incredibly happy with how things have turned out,” Ananda says.
His journey from Sri Lanka to his current practice in rural Australia is a testament to the life-changing opportunities available through the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).
Today, Ananda works at the Narrandera Medical Centre and Narrandera District Hospital in rural New South Wales.
His wife, also a GP, shares the same practice, and together they raise two children, aged 11 and 9, in a close-knit rural community.
But Ananda’s path to rural generalism wasn’t always smooth – moving from a fast-paced urban life in Sydney to rural healthcare posed significant challenges.
Before arriving in Narrandera, Ananda spent three years working in Campbelltown, a busy suburb of Sydney.
Transitioning from critical care medicine to general practice required a complete shift in focus, which proved to be one of his greatest professional hurdles.
“Moving from critical care, where you’re dealing with acute conditions, to general practice, where it’s more about managing chronic illnesses, was a big adjustment for me,” he reflects.
“In general practice, you take on a more holistic approach to care, often involving multidisciplinary teams.”
Despite these challenges, rural medicine has allowed Ananda to focus on what he values most – family and community.
“One of the biggest draws to general practice was the lifestyle. I get to spend more time with my kids, take care of myself, and enjoy the environment around me,” he says.
“The rural lifestyle, with its lack of traffic and slower pace, gives me time to enjoy life outside of medicine.”
For Ananda, rural medicine is about more than just a comfortable lifestyle – it’s about the profound connections he forms with his patients and the community.
“The care and love you experience from a rural community are incomparable. You build relationships with people that go beyond the usual doctor-patient interaction,” he says with a smile.
He recalls moments when he knew he had made the right choice in becoming a doctor.
“When I think back about the good things I’ve done – saving lives, making people better – I feel truly blessed. It reaffirms that I made the right decision to pursue medicine.”
Working in a small town has its perks beyond healthcare, too.
“We’re part of the fabric of this community,” Ananda explains.
“My kids are thriving, and I get to enjoy hobbies and leisure activities that were often out of reach in the city.”
The RVTS has been instrumental in Ananda’s journey to becoming a rural GP.
It provided him with the support and flexibility needed to practice in a remote location while continuing his education.
“RVTS has been like a family to me,” he says warmly.
“The guidance and support were wonderful throughout the training program, and they truly cared for us – not just professionally but personally.”
In addition to the supportive training environment, RVTS also helped Ananda financially, enabling him to continue upgrading his skills and knowledge.
“They offered financial support to pursue additional training, which has been invaluable in my development as a GP.”
Ananda’s plans for the future include furthering his expertise in anaesthetics within a rural or remote setting.
“In the next five to 10 years, I see myself continuing as a GP with a focus on anaesthetics, providing care to remote and rural Australia,” he says.
Ananda encourages young doctors to consider rural generalism as a career, particularly through pathways like the RVTS.
“Rural generalism gives you the chance to practise medicine in a way that is truly holistic,” he says.
“You’re not just treating patients; you’re a part of their lives, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
He believes that working in a rural or remote setting requires specific character traits.
“You need to be friendly, calm under pressure, and possess strong time and stress management skills. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” he says.
Looking ahead, Ananda is excited about continuing to grow both personally and professionally in his rural setting.
“My family loves it here. We’ve found a sense of belonging in this small town, and I enjoy the day-to-day interaction with people in my community.”
For aspiring rural doctors, Ananda offers this advice: “The lifestyle, the relationships, and the sense of purpose you’ll find in rural generalism are hard to match anywhere else.
“If you’re thinking about it, take the plunge – it’s a decision you won’t regret.”
