Raised on his father or mother’s cattle property in southern NSW, a life in farming appeared written in stone for a younger Don Bowley.
“I all the time thought I would just go on to personal the farm. I labored as a laborer after which did some truck driving,” he says.
When he left faculty, the very last thing on the younger Grazier’s thoughts was a profession in medication.
Greater than three a long time later, Dr Don Bowley OAM is likely one of the most famous medical professionals in outback Queensland.
His work with the Royal Flying Physician Service (RFDS) has earned him a number of awards, none extra dearer he’ll let you know than the respect and adoration of the distant communities he has served.
After formally retiring from the RFDS final week, Dr Don mirrored on his 26-year-adventure within the bush.
Station hand to medical scholar
It wasn’t till a nurse he had been courting on the time instructed a profession in well being, {that a} younger Don even thought-about a life off the land.
“She stated ‘Nicely, you care about folks, have you considered doing nursing or paramedics?’ and I used to be drawn to that idea.”
He went on to turn into a nurse earlier than being accepted to review medication.
“I did not have wonderful marks however I obtained provided a third-round place, so it was fairly fortunate actually,” he stated.
After a number of hospital stints in regional NSW, Dr Don landed within the rural metropolis of Mount Isa, Queensland, in November 1996.
His love of the red-dirt nation and outback spirit sparked a ardour for working within the bush that may see him serve distant communities because the Mount Isa RFDS Medical Officer for the remainder of his profession.
Whether or not it was delivering a child beside a river, or intubating a affected person atop a pool desk in a distant pub, Dr Don’s medical genius and charisma has touched the lives of communities spanning 550,000 kilometers throughout outback Queensland — that is an space bigger than England, Wales , Scotland and Eire mixed.
“I simply suppose that, the extra distant you go, the extra welcoming individuals are,” he stated.
“The fantastic thing about my position was that I obtained to see the folks I served develop—from the cradle and to the grave. I obtained to turn into their pal and see their lives unfold.
“Hopefully, I made slightly distinction in these lives: that may be a very particular privilege.”
Indigenous well being the ‘disgrace’ of Australia
Reflecting on the enhancements achieved in distant healthcare, Dr Don stated that whereas some progress had been made, there was an extended option to go when it got here to caring for Indigenous residents.
“The disgrace of our nation is that the well being of our Indigenous folks, notably in distant areas, stays considerably poorer than non-Indigenous communities,” he stated.
“We will proudly say we’ve improved issues.
“However whenever you take a look at the state of affairs total, what tended to occur is well being outcomes for non-Indigenous folks in distant communities improved faster than Indigenous well being outcomes,” he stated.
‘A real outback legend’
In 2011, Dr Don was acknowledged because the Queensland Native Hero within the Australian of the Yr Awards.
A 12 months later he acquired the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to medication.
As he hung up his wings this 12 months, locals paid tribute to the person who saved their lives.
“Dr Don, you’re a true outback legend. Thanks for the years of service in north-west Queensland. You’re a hero who has saved many lives. You’ll be vastly missed by all,” stated Mount Isa native Marlene Bennett.
“Dr Don you might be a rare man. While you downed wheels it felt just like the cavalry thundering to our assist. You’ll be missed by the communities and distant nurses that you’ve got supported so effectively,” stated native Justine Collins.
“Dr Don … a real hero! So many owe their lives to his professional information. Myself included,” stated Susan Stafford.
As for the long run, Dr Don has no plans to exit the business simply but.
“I am not but positive what I’ll do subsequent however I am excited for what’s on the horizon.” he stated.
“Possibly I will write a e-book,” he laughed.
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