The Talking Country Health Podcast

From biotech entrepreneur to rural GP, Dr Hugo Stephenson has come full circle. 11.02.2026 22:44 ↓

From Biotech to Bush Medicine: Dr Hugo’s Rural Return  In a recent episode of the Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr Hugo Stephenson shares his remarkable journey back to medicine in rural Victoria.  After training in medicine, Dr Hugo built and led international biotech companies, running clinical trials across the United States and Europe. Yet despite his global success, he found himself drawn b...

Finding Home in Camperdown: Simi’s Journey from India to Rural Victoria 27.10.2025 14:00 ↓

Meet Simi James, a mental health clinician at SouthWest Healthcare in Camperdown, who relocated from Kerala, India, to pursue her passion for community mental health in rural Victoria.  In this episode, Simi shares her inspiring journey of adapting to a new country, finding a sense of belonging in a small town, and delivering meaningful care across the Camperdown region. She also talks about how R...

From London to Mildura: Darren Riggon’s Mission to Deliver Purposeful Mental Health Care in Rural Victoria 16.07.2025 16:48 ↓

In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning London, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and now regional Victoria, Darren shares how his professional journey has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving mental health care.  Originally trained in t...

Bridging Heart Health and Community: Dr Jennifer Coller’s Rural Mission 14.07.2025 17:48 ↓

In this episode, host Andrew Maher speaks with Dr Jennifer Coller, a general and heart failure cardiologist whose passion for health equity has taken her from the busy hospitals of Melbourne to the wide-open roads of regional Victoria.  From improving women’s heart health to supporting First Nations communities, Jennifer’s story is one of heart, dedication and lasting impact. Listen now to hear he...

Ever wondered what it's like to be a rural GP? Tune in to hear Dr Louise Manning inspirational rural health Journey! 06.12.2024 13:55 ↓

In the latest Talking Country Health Podcast, Dr. Louise Manning—Rural GP Obstetrician, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, and Board Director at RWAV—shares her inspiring journey from small-town Woodend to life as a rural GP. From balancing hospital shifts to community care and even growing her own veggies, Dr. Manning talks about the rewards, challenges, and flexibility of ru...

Exploring Rural Healthcare with Dr Deborah Amott 04.10.2024 17:14 ↓

In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare.  From her roots in Melbourne to providing essential services in rural and Indigenous communities, Dr. Amott discusses the challenges and rewards of her work. Discover how simple surgeries can transform lives, particularly for children facing hearing difficu...