Dr Lizzi Shires

Tasmania representative, RACGP Rural Council

Dr Lizzi Shires has worked as a GP in Ulverstone on the North West Coast of Tasmania for 15 years, prior to this she was a rural GP in the UK. She currently works as Director of the Rural Clinical School for the University of Tasmania. Like most rural areas they face workforce shortages and have developed assorted programmes to try and address this by recruiting and training more students in rural areas.

The Rural Clinical school develops rural pathways into medicine for young people from rural areas and provides rural education and training for students attending UTAS. Senior medical students can spend one or two years on the coast and we work closely with the health service and local practices to provide postgraduate training locally.

Find out more about Dr Lizzi Shires below

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you currently work?

I trained in the UK and came to Tasmania 15 years ago and stayed. I love living on the North West coast with its pristine beaches, beautiful country side and interesting medicine.

What attracted you to general practice?

I am passionate about health promotion, tackling disadvantage and supporting people with chronic diseases.

What led you into rural medicine?

I have always lived and worked rurally, I love working in small towns where you know your community well.

What do you enjoy most about it?

Working with people.

Can you share one of your personal highlights during your time as a general practitioner?

Looking after people that you have watched grow up.

What objectives do you have as a Rural Council member?

Support rural GPs and help develop the next generation of rural GPs.