Written by Shristi N.
When I first packed my suitcase for Karratha, I knew the journey itself would be an adventure. It began with a drive from Orange to Canberra and three connecting flights to Karratha. By the time I landed, I had crossed the country in a single day, trading my frosty mornings for the warm red evenings of Pilbara.
What I didn’t carry with me was my usual support system: my family and friends. The ones who anchor me during stressful placements were now miles away. Initially, that felt overwhelming. Yet, over the next 10 days, I discovered a new network: the pharmacy teams who embraced me as one of their own, the patients who appreciated my efforts, and the housemates who quickly became family. Even in this unfamiliar place, I was never alone.
Academically, I focused on sharpening my skills for OSCEs (consider them an oral exam determining your fate🙂). Every counselling session, every opportunity to practice dispensing, and each conversation with patients turned into a real-world rehearsal. My preceptors provided invaluable feedback, pushing me to improve daily. I emerged more confident, ready to apply my knowledge and communication skills, more than ever before. To maintain balance, I spent time studying after work, more often than not with a snack, allowing me to solidify my learning without burning out.
However, this placement was more than just study and work; Karratha offered me a profound gift: perspective. On weekends and after hours, I exchanged textbooks for sunsets. From road trips to Hearson’s Cove to exploring nearby beaches and soaking in the golden and crimson hues of the Pilbara skies each evening, I made the most of my time outside the pharmacy. These moments reinforced the idea that professional growth and personal joy are intertwined; they can and should complement one another.
Looking back, what began as a daunting solo journey transformed into one of the most rewarding experiences of my pharmacy degree. I learned that resilience goes beyond overcoming challenges. It’s about embracing new communities, landscapes, and innovative approaches to healthcare practice.
For anyone contemplating a rural or remote placement, leap forward. It’s an opportunity to grow in unexpected ways, test your limits, and forge connections that will resonate long after the placement concludes.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
