Local heritage a tonic for doctor

Despite leaving Broome as an 11-year-old to attend boarding school in Perth, and spending 10 years in Melbourne, local doctor Ryan Atkinson always knew he would end up back in the Kimberley.

Born in Broome, Ryan comes from a distinguished background, with his great grandmother a Yawuru elder and his great grandfather a Japanese pearl diver.

Although he did return to the region for a year before starting a medical degree at Melbourne University, Ryan has spent most of his life away from home - before returning to Broome last January.

It took him seven years of study to become a fully qualified doctor, but Ryan said he enjoyed his time in the big city.

"Moving to Melbourne, the blinkers were taken off; it broadened my horizons in lots of ways," he told the _Broome Advertiser _.

"When you start studying it is quite daunting to think that you are locked away for that amount of time but they were some of the best years of my life, so far."

After graduating Ryan worked at a hospital in Geelong and was thrown into the deep end.

"It can feel a bit like it's every man for himself because big hospitals are so competitive - it can be a ruthless industry," he said.

However, when a position at Broome Hospital arose early last year Ryan didn't have to think twice about coming home.

"The allure of home is so strong and I've always known deep down that I would eventually return home - it was a no-brainer," he said.

Ryan said that his affiliation with Broome helped him to build connections with patients, while he singled out Broome Hospital's Sue Phillips and Casey Parker for the positive work they do. "I consider myself a Broome person and I certainly feel a sense of obligation to give back to the community," he said.

"It's a fantastic hospital - the doctors there are very talented.

"Some of the things they can do and the way they teach certainly rival the metropolitan hospitals."

Since starting at Broome Hospital Ryan has been exposed to many different scenarios, which has helped him to progress.

"Up here it is much more relaxed," he said.

"You get much more hands-on experience, are encouraged to push and challenge yourself and there is appropriate guidance.

"Returning to Broome has been the best thing for my medicine."

Ryan has had to overcome a number of challenges also, such as facilities that do not rival those in Melbourne.

"We just don't have the facilities to accommodate really sick patients," he said. "One of the biggest learning curves has been facilitating the safe transfer of patients to tertiary centres."

Outside of work Ryan plays football for the Broome Bulls, goes fishing with his parents and likes to go camping in the dry season.

He also spends time with his grandmother's friends, who regale him with stories of what the town used to be like when they were growing up.

"It's very humbling," Ryan said.

"I feel very appreciative of what Broome was like - it is something that needs to be respected."

Ryan is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

"My long-term future is as a Kimberley doctor; I can see myself here for the next 20 years," he said.

"I think the majority of it will be in Broome but I'd certainly like to broaden my horizons in regional and remote areas."

Returning to Broome has been the best thing for my medicine. Ryan Atkinson