Dr Damien Zilm

I currently work as a GP/Rural Generalist in Meekatharra, though I’m no longer the practice owner. I also continue to provide services through the Emergency Telehealth Service, Northam Emergency Department, and the St John of God Murdoch Emergency Department. In addition to my clinical work, I serve as Co-Deputy Chair of RACGP WA, a board member of WAPHA, Chair of WAGPET, and a member of the WA Clinical Senate and its Executive. These roles allow me to advocate for and promote general practice in the various forums I am involved in.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy recreational and technical diving (closed-circuit), keeping aquarium fish, and hiking in the outdoors.

I love the diversity of general practice. It offers the opportunity to work to the full scope of my training, across a wide range of clinical areas. That broad skill set means I can practise anywhere and serving the needs of my community. It's incredibly rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

My journey into rural medicine began in my medical student years with opportunities to work in the Kimberley and Southwest. This led to my first hospital rotation and selecting Kalgoorlie. After six months in Perth to develop additional skills, I returned to Kalgoorlie and have been in rural practice ever since.

What really resonated with me was hearing patients say, “Doc, why do I need to go to Perth for that? Can’t you do it here?” That question has driven me to expand my capabilities and provide more comprehensive care locally. Kalgoorlie was an exceptional place to live and work—with a wide variety of clinical presentations and a strong sense of community. Pursuing my Rural Generalist training in emergency medicine has equipped me to feel confident and safe in isolated settings, delivering high-quality care where it’s most needed.

I enjoy being able to work at the top of my scope—safely, autonomously, and meaningfully. The flexibility to practise in different settings while responding to the specific needs of each community is incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to have a real impact, both clinically and personally. I practice in a number of settings and in various team structures which allow me to be a better clinician.
 

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of general practice is delivering high-quality palliative care. It’s a deeply personal and privileged part of our work—to care for patients over many years, to support them through a terminal illness, and to walk alongside them and their families in their final journey. That level of trust and continuity is something truly unique to general practice.

I currently have two key priorities in my role as a Rural Council member:

Firstly, to strengthen the communication and feedback channels between rural WA members and the College. It’s essential that our representation remains grounded in the real issues affecting each region, and that members feel heard and supported.

Secondly, to ensure that Rural Generalists are well supported, with their unique needs and challenges fully understood. Working across both general practice and rural generalist scopes gives me valuable insight into how we can better tailor support, advocacy, and policy to reflect the realities of both roles.