When Dr Diana House arrived on the Atherton Tablelands three decades ago, she never imagined she would one day be caring for the children of babies she had helped deliver.
After moving to the region more than 30 years ago and establishing a GP practice in Yungaburra where none existed previously, Dr House has become a familiar face in the community she now calls home.
“The longer you live in a community, the more connected you become,” Dr House said.
“I really enjoy the practice and the challenges it brings, but I also love the community and everything it provides. This is home.”
Dr House is one of the healthcare professionals featured in the new season of Live and Work in Paradise, a Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) workforce attraction campaign designed to showcase the career opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and community connections available across the region.
NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth said attracting and retaining healthcare professionals remained a priority for the region.
“Healthcare professionals are looking for more than just a job,” Mr Tooth said. “They’re looking for a place where they can build a career, enjoy a great lifestyle, and feel part of a community.
“The stories featured in Live and Work in Paradise show what makes northern Queensland different.
“From the scope of practice and career opportunities available to the strong community connections and incredible lifestyle, these are the reasons many healthcare professionals choose to stay for the long term.”
For Dr House, those reasons have kept her in Yungaburra for 30 years and as the practice owner of The Doctor House for the last 18 years.
“I arrived here and did obstetrics at the hospital, and now those babies are coming in with their children,” Dr House said.
“That’s a phenomenal position to find yourself in – when you are treating kids of kids.
“It’s a lovely, challenging job, with a huge scope of practice. We have an ultrasound machine for MSK work, fine needles, and HCLA injections, and a dedicated operating room for minor ops.”
This second season of Live and Work in Paradise features healthcare professionals from Yungaburra, Charters Towers, Ingham, Sarina, Mackay, and Cooktown, sharing their stories of living and working in northern Queensland.
The Live and Work in Paradise Season 2 videos are available on NQPHN’s social media channels. Health professionals interested in exploring opportunities can learn more and watch the series here.