Northern Hospital GP Ambassador
Name: Erin “Flash” Gordon
Hospital: The Northern Hospital, next door to the amazing Epping Plaza, Epping (and it’s only 22km from the CBD!)
What do your friends call you?
“Flash”, “Ezza”, “Gordo”
How old are you?
21 (thus far, for 7 years running)
Where are you from originally – and where did you grow-up/go to school?
I grew up in downtown industrial Ballarat (affectionately known as “The Rat”) terrorising the streets with my posse of younger brothers on our BMX bicycles. I then proceeded to terrorise the corridors of Loreto College for the years of my secondary schooling.
Are you from a “medical” background?
I really enjoy not being from a medical background as it certainly makes family reunions interesting! My mum is a school principal at Ballarat North Primary School and I have three younger brothers; Joel, who works in the hotel business, Lachlan who is a koala and reptile handler and Jake who is currently studying Early Years Education in Albury.
What are you interests/pastimes/hobbies?
Socialising, socialising, talking, drinking coffee, socialising, learning Spanish so that I can socialise bilingually. My housemates and I also like to entertain the idea that we have a band, so much of my spare time is consumed by us upholding this image, attending live music gigs and playing guitar. I also love to dance.
What do you think your best qualities are?
Possibly laughing at my own jokes (hence highlighting the fact that I think I’m rather funny). Possibly also the fact that I have perfected the art of looking busy.
When/how did you first know or decide you wanted to study medicine?
I was actually entertaining the idea of becoming a pilot or an engineer until a family friend highlighted during my final year at high school that I should work with people in a caring role of some sort.
What were the influences that persuaded you to study medicine?
Primarily the idea that my love of talking and my communication skills could be used to the advantage of others.
Did anybody in particular influence/persuade you?
Not particularly, but certainly the support from family and role models in the healthcare setting has encouraged me along the way.
How and why did you decide on General Practice?
It has been a very gradual process however after ‘trying on for size’ many other specialities, I have chosen GP as it offers variety, flexibility, a chance to be involved in community, the prospect of travel and a chance to provide a real continuity of care not always experienced in other fields.
What makes General Practice so special for you as a specialisation?
GP offers a unique opportunity to be involved in your patients’ lives and to care not only for them, but their community.
Why did you decide to become a GP Ambassador?
A good friend of mine was already a GP Ambassador and recommended I consider doing the same at the Northern Hospital; also, I am a strong believer that GP is largely underrepresented in the hospital setting and there are many JMO’s who would like the experience of a general setting in their training years; consequently, providing that link to the junior medical staff really appeals to me.
What do you think you can contribute to the Going Places Network?
I would like to be able to provide a link between junior medical staff and the organisations responsible for GP training; primarily, I hope to at least be an advocate for those interested in GP whilst completing their hospital training.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about General Practice as a career move?
Talk, ask, talk! Try to get a hold of GP ambassadors, GP registrars, attend careers expos/evenings and join the Going Places Network to learn about the variety of opportunities GP training can provide! In particular, try to get a PGPPP placement in your first few years to really experience general practice firsthand.
How do you think you can help people with questions about General Practice?
By arranging a time to discuss the relevant queries and by providing contacts, links and websites to help consolidate training paths, opportunities and options.
Why would you recommend people should join the Going Places Network and be involved in the activities? What do you think the benefits are?
As I already mentioned, I believe that GP is largely underrepresented during the early years of medical training and as a result, awareness of opportunities, the appropriate training paths to take and knowledge about training providers is rather minimal. Joining the Going Places Network enables those interested to really sink their teeth into the variety of settings in which one can practice, the range of opportunities within the program and the necessary requirements for training thereby assisting one to make a well informed career decision.
To contact Erin, email northerngp@gpra.org.au
