The visionary partnership in Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service with the Regional Medical Pathway (RMP) has culminated in the pioneering role of the Medical Education and Wellbeing Principal House Officer, Dr Emma Hodge. With a remarkable skillset, she exemplifies Wide Bay's commitment to wellbeing, setting a new standard in regional healthcare.
Community focused
Fuelled by her passion for rural medicine, a journey nurtured at James Cook University, Dr Hodge harmonises seamlessly with the values and aspirations of the RMP and Wide Bay. A shared vision for community-centred care shines through her engagement with Central Queensland University's (CQU) Regional Medical Pathway students through founding a range of novel education initiatives. Among these includes the ‘Insight’ medical education program which shares invaluable advice seldom covered throughout medical school, such as neuroscience-based study techniques, practical stress management strategies and choosing a medical specialty. Dr Hodge states the ‘Insight’ series “goes beyond just clinical knowledge and is about nurturing the growth of our future doctors by empowering them with the skills to thrive in a demanding role.”
Growing regional interest
Thanks to initiatives by the RMP in Wide Bay, particularly under Dr Hodge’s leadership, Bundaberg Hospital has seen an influx of interest from medical professionals. Notably, the hospital has seen a surge in applications from aspiring doctors for intern and RMO positions, signifying our growing reputation as a beacon of medical innovation. Dr Hodge finds this incredibly uplifting, “It’s so exciting to see more doctors gravitating towards regional areas and shows the unique opportunities we offer are resonating with doctors in training.”
Evidence-based initiatives
With international journal publications and multiple medical research awards, Dr Hodge’s research accolades are a testament to her passion for evidence-based medicine. "Research isn’t just about gathering data, it’s about translating findings into meaningful interventions,” Dr Hodge remarks. The recent RMP Medical Wellbeing Survey mirrors this sentiment, underscoring an aligned commitment to data driven, targeted wellbeing strategies based on the local context.
Broad medical advocacy
Beyond the demands of her pivotal role, Dr Hodge serves as the AMAQ Wellbeing Chair for the Committee of Doctors in Training and has played a significant role in forums such as Doctors Health Queensland and is helping to shape the Queensland Health Wellbeing Framework. "All of these roles are steered by my ambitions for improving our healthcare system, where the wellbeing of doctors is prioritised alongside patient care,” shares Dr. Hodge. Her ability to navigate her intensive responsibilities while advocating for broader medical causes embodies her unwavering commitment and dedication to excellence.
The unparalleled, transformative approach of the RMP in medical education and wellbeing not only redefines healthcare standards but also aims to elevate Wide Bay to the peak of regional medical excellence. We take immense pride in our collaborative partnership with the RMP and are excited about future healthcare innovations, as we continue to shape the future of regional healthcare.