It Takes Heart with Dr. Sonia Henry, a journey from urban healthcare to the heart of remote Australia.

In Episode 6, Season 1 of It Takes Heart, hosts Sam Miklos, CEO of cmr, and Kate Coomber, Head of Talent and Employer Branding, sit down with the inspiring Dr. Sonia Henry.

Sonia, a former physiotherapist turned rural GP and author of Put Your Feet in the Dirt, Girl, takes us on a journey through the dusty roads of remote healthcare, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life for more meaningful connections in some of Australia’s most underserved regions.

Sonia shares how the COVID-19 pandemic redirected her life path. Originally intending to move overseas, Sonia found herself exploring the vast expanses of the Kimberleys and Northern NSW instead. She speaks with passion about the unexpected beauty of the outback, but also about the healthcare disparities affecting remote Indigenous communities.

Sonia recounts the challenges of being the solo doctor in isolated areas, where access to specialists and basic imaging can take hours or even days. She discusses the contrast between urban and remote healthcare, highlighting the systemic issues that put many remote communities at risk. Her stories shine a light on the real struggles healthcare providers face in these regions.

Throughout the episode, Sonia reveals what makes general practice in rural settings so special—her meaningful patient interactions. With patients often coming to her in their most vulnerable moments, Sonia explains how deeply these experiences shape her passion for healthcare. The connection she forms with her patients is the heartbeat of her work, and it’s clear that these human interactions drive her commitment to serving remote communities.

Through her stories, Sonia highlights the shocking healthcare disparities in remote Indigenous communities. From seeing rare conditions to dealing with a lack of basic medical resources, Sonia paints a vivid picture of the critical need for systemic change in these regions. These heartfelt anecdotes underscore the urgency of better healthcare infrastructure and support for remote areas.

The conversation also touches on Sonia’s second passion—writing. Sonia opens up about the challenges of balancing life as a full-time GP and published author. Her book Put Your Feet in the Dirt, Girl is a testament to the strength and resilience of both healthcare workers and the patients they serve in Australia’s most remote regions.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into doctor wellbeing, particularly in rural and remote settings. Sonia emphasises the pressures that healthcare professionals face in these isolated areas and the importance of mental health support. Her personal experiences shed light on the need for systemic changes to create a more sustainable environment for doctors working in challenging locations.

Watch Episode 6 of It Takes Heart to dive into an inspiring conversation about the realities of remote healthcare and the power of human connection.

SpotifyApple Podcasts

More About Sonia’s Charity of Choice: MBA NSW (Medical Benevolent Association of NSW)

Dr. Sonia Henry supports the MBA NSW, an organisation providing counseling, case management, and financial assistance to doctors in crisis across NSW and ACT. MBA NSW aims to help doctors and their families recover from illness, accident, or mental health conditions, ensuring they return to well-being and independence. Learn more about their work at www.mbansw.org.au.

Subscribe to It Takes Heart

Join us to discover real-life stories of passion and purpose, insight and inspiration from people on the inside and tales that are equal parts heart-warming, heart-wrenching and hilarious.