Meet Dr Maddison Hall:

GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship recipient in 2025

Celebrating Dr Maddison Hall: A rural GP on a journey of growth and giving back

Dr Maddison (Maddi) Hall’s story is one of deep commitment to improving health outcomes in remote communities.

A recipient of the prestigious GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship for 2025, Maddi‘s journey to becoming a GP has been shaped by her experiences in some of Australia’s most remote areas.

Her path to medicine was influenced by her passion for helping others and a desire to reduce the gap in Indigenous health outcomes, and she now spends her days working to improve the health and wellbeing of communities in East Arnhem Land.

 

From Broome to Arnhem Land: A journey across remote Australia

Maddi is a GP Registrar with Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, working in the remote community of Yirrkala in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

Originally from Broome, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Maddi has always had a deep connection to the land.

She completed her medical degree at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle before heading to Darwin to complete her internship at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Her medical career has spanned various roles, including a Medical Registrar position at Royal Darwin Hospital, and she has also spent time working in the Emergency Department at Broome Hospital and with the Kimberley Population Health Unit.

“Growing up in Broome, I always had a deep respect for the Kimberley and its people,” Maddi says.

“It’s where my heart is, but my work across the Northern Territory has been incredibly rewarding.

“The people of Arnhem Land are so warm and welcoming, and it’s been such a privilege to train here and be part of this vibrant community.”

Inspired by compassion and community

Before pursuing medicine, Maddi worked as a Registered Nurse in Derby, also in the Kimberley.

It was here that she first noticed the challenges faced by remote communities in accessing consistent healthcare.

“I saw how the reliance on locum doctors often meant a lack of continuity of care,” Maddi recalls.

“It became clear to me that a consistent healthcare workforce, particularly in remote areas, is vital for effective and culturally safe healthcare.

“This insight, along with my desire to reduce the health disparities in Indigenous communities, led me to pursue medicine.”

Her love for people, their life stories, and a genuine passion for improving the healthcare of rural and remote communities were the driving forces behind her decision to become a doctor.

“The landscapes of the Kimberley are truly awe-inspiring,” she says.

“It was during my time there that I realised I wanted to give back to these communities, to help empower individuals and families to take control of their health and wellbeing.”

Challenges of rural practice

While the work of a rural GP comes with its unique set of challenges, Maddi approaches them with positivity and resilience.

“Being away from family and friends can be tough at times, but I’ve learned to embrace the connections I have with the communities I serve,” she explains.

“You develop strong, supportive networks, and the relationships you build with people in these communities make it all the more rewarding.”

The close-knit nature of rural life also means that Dr Hall often encounters her patients outside the clinic, whether at the local shops or other social gatherings.

“It can be tricky to switch off at times,” she admits, “but it’s a privilege to be so involved in the lives of my patients. It helps to build trust and stronger connections with the people I care for.”

To recharge, Dr Hall turns to the natural beauty around her.

“I love spending time outdoors — whether it’s beach walks or simply watching the sunset,” she says. “It’s my way of disconnecting and recharging my energy so I can continue doing what I love.”

The reward of continuity of care

What Maddi finds most rewarding in her work is the continuity of care and the deep patient relationships that come with it.

“The patient relationship is the most rewarding part of being a GP,” she says.

“Getting to know patients and learning about their life stories is such a privilege. It allows you to understand them as whole people, not just as patients.”

Working in remote areas like Yirrkala also provides Maddi with a unique opportunity to learn from her patients.

“Learning about Yolngu culture, language, and traditional medicine is an incredibly special experience,” she says.

“I feel honoured to be able to work in this space and learn from the community.”

Maddi is also deeply committed to patient advocacy.

“I love working with patients on preventative healthcare and health education,” she says.

“Being able to explain complex health issues in “ways they can understand” and empower people with knowledge is a huge motivator for me.

I enjoying working in a way that there is two way sharing of knowledge so the patients are able to make informed health care decisions that acknowledge their individual needs and values. It is wonderful knowing a patient understands their health problems.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Maddi envisions herself continuing her work as a rural GP, possibly as a fly-in, fly-out doctor for remote communities.

I want to do my part to create a more culturally safe healthcare system. I want to keep learning from, listening too and engaging with remote communities. As a GP itsnot just about the delivery of health information and the provision of care. More importantly, its about listening and being receptive to what people and communities need and how I can use my role to facilitate healthcare in a way that is culturally safe, promotes equality and encompasses cultural components of health and wellbeing. Recognising there are many different ways to approach health and the holistic nature of wellbeing is fundamental.

“I also have a growing interest in mentoring and advocacy for other GP Registrars,” she says.

“I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing supervisors during my training, and I would love to pay it forward by supporting others in their GP journey, especially those working in rural areas.”

Empowering the next generation

One of the key reasons Maddi applied for the GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship was her recognition of a gap in her knowledge in paediatric medicine.

“Since starting my GP training, I’ve realised just how much impact we can have on children’s health, not just for them but for the entire community,” she explains.

“Improving children’s health from an early age can have a profound effect on their lives and the future of their community.”

She is committed to reducing preventable chronic health conditions and believes that a focus on paediatrics and preventative care is key to achieving this.

“Empowering the younger generation to lead healthy lives is essential for building strong communities.

If we want to see the future generation live happy, healthy lives and contribute to their communities , we need to ensure their health and wellbeing is supported from a young age.” The best way to do this is engaging young people in their health and making decisions with them in a way that embodies their values and approach to health and wellbeing.

A moment of pride

Winning the GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship is a momentous achievement for Maddi.

“I feel so excited and honoured to receive this award,” she says.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to increase my knowledge and further develop my ability to give back to remote communities.

“This scholarship will help me continue my work in a positive and impactful way.”

Dr Maddison Hall will be officially presented with her scholarship at a special Celebration Function on Saturday 6 September in Darwin, as part of the GPRA NT GP Registrars Forum 2025.

NT-based GP registrars are encouraged to book their spot now at the forum. Travel costs are covered by GPRA and registrations are open until 22 August.

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