There was a time when Dr Umesh Ramnanan had to ask all his patients to please leave their guns on the desk. That is why Goombungee Family Practice seems a far cry from his experiences in Durban, South Africa.
Umesh grew up in Durban, South Africa. After graduating with an MBBS from a university in India, Umesh practiced in South Africa for 8 years. In 2001, Umesh moved to Australia where he has worked in Bundaberg and Toowoomba. Currently undertaking his Fellowship for the RACGP, Umesh has settled into Goombungee Family Practice.

Goombungee Family Practice is like stepping into a scene from the 80's TV series, "A Country Practice." The Practice feels like a very clean home and the people inside greet you as if you are a familiar friend rather than a new stranger. When you meet Dr Umesh Ramnanan, it is a very relaxed and focused GP who gives you his attention. But his relaxed demeanour does not mean this GP is idle - Umesh not only works in Goombungee. He also juggles patients at Kingsthorpe and after-hours in Oakey.

The decision to be a rural GP was relatively easy. The challenges are varied, and Umesh thrives on them. "You've got to do it all on your own in the country."
"I came to Goombungee with AMA in a temporary position and decided to stay. It is comfortable and relaxing. In the country areas, people are different, more accommodating," says Umesh.

Despite long work hours he puts in, one would have to agree with the 'comfortable and relaxing' part when Umesh explains the job he left in South Africa. Though what he says sounds like the précis for an Action film, Umesh shares it in a matter-of-fact tone. "The job was great even though every patient had a fire-arm. I was exposed to so many different cases – and a lot of trauma. Once we were almost robbed by two men with AK47s. The security precautions stopped them. There were four security monitors on my desk, and a secure panic room. The dogs weren't pets."

Umesh's special interest is in Emergency Medicine. Though he enjoyed his job in South Africa, the insecurities for his children's future made the decision to come to Australia very attractive. Outside medicine, however, his interests include spending time with his children (aged 6 and 12) often playing soccer in the backyard. If he had more time, he would play golf, go surf fishing, jump in a pool, and flick through all the sports channels on TV. Rugby Union divides the family however – his children barrack for Australia, while Umesh still cheers for South Africa.

Umesh believes the best advice is "Persevere. Think Positively." This advice comes from his own experience in observing the Indian doctor and tutors from his study in India. "They were far more dedicated and hardworking." Because English is his first language, Umesh had to work hard to leap the language barrier often resorting to using sign language with patients. The experience was rewarding and provided him with values he still holds today.

Fast Facts:
Favourite Book Anything by James H. Chase
Favourite music Country and Soft Rock
Favourite colour Red
Favourite Food Thai
Favourite Drink Red wine
Tea / Coffee Tea. White. 1 Sugar.

- Dr Umesh Ramnanan

Dr Anna Spink is a Registrar at Toowoomba Health Services. Here she gives her impressions of a rural rotation in Gatton.

I believe that my country relieving rotation in Gatton has provided me with a solid foundation for future practise in rural areas. The main benefits gained during this time included:

1. learning to handle the responsibilities of medical autonomy,

2. learning to recognise and work within my own limits and the limits of the health care facility I was involved with,

3. organising transfers,

4. developing a sense of continuity of care from admission to discharge of patients and their subsequent follow up,

5. gaining confidence in handling a wide variety of clinical presentations,

6. developing the ability to prioritise care of patients,

7. learning to be resourceful when resources are limited.

I would encourage any junior doctor interested in rural practise to be involved with country relieving rotations. Though it was a challenging experience, I was well supported by the staff from both the Toowoomba and Gatton health services and therefore have gained much confidence in my clinical and self management.

- Dr Anna Spink