Desperately Seeking Doctors

Desperately Seeking Doctors: The Kimberley

Report this video

Desperately Seeking Doctors

The Kimberley

Season 1 | Episode 1 | SBS | May 15, 2016

Health and PE

Geography

Intercultural Understanding

Personal and social capability

Classification: Parental Guidance

Three years ago, feisty and outspoken Scottish GP Dr Mary Fortune answered an urgent call to help ease the shortage of doctors in regional Western Australia. Her brief encounter with Aboriginal health touched a nerve. So now she's back for a three month stint in an Aboriginal health service in Kununurra in the remote rugged and scenic North West of Australia. Dealing with upwards of 120 patients a day, Dr Mary is thrown into the deep end of the health crisis facing the Kimberley.

Overview

Three years ago, feisty and outspoken Scottish GP Dr Mary Fortune answered an urgent call to help ease the shortage of doctors in regional Western Australia. Her brief encounter with Aboriginal health touched a nerve. So now she's back for a three month stint in an Aboriginal health service in Kununurra in the remote rugged and scenic North West of Australia. Dealing with upwards of 120 patients a day, Dr Mary is thrown into the deep end of the health crisis facing the Kimberley.

Report this video

More from this series

More than half way through Dr Mary Fortune's secondment, an Australian general election is called. Dr Mary hopes this could lead to a new dawn in indigenous health funding but the signs aren't good. As her time in Kununurra continues, Dr Mary becomes aware of the prominent role alcohol plays in her patient's lives. With a rising tide of alcohol-related illness and violence, and dwindling resources, Dr Mary finds out how hard it can be just to get one man a place in rehab.

Desperately Seeking Doctors: Out Of The Frying Pan

Years 7-8, 9-10 Health and PE, Geography, Intercultural Understanding, Personal and social capability

More than half way through Dr Mary Fortune's secondment, an Australian general election is called. Dr Mary hopes this could lead to a new dawn in indigenous health funding but the signs aren't good. As her time in Kununurra continues, Dr Mary becomes aware of the prominent role alcohol plays in her patient's lives. With a rising tide of alcohol-related illness and violence, and dwindling resources, Dr Mary finds out how hard it can be just to get one man a place in rehab.

Having left Kalgoorlie to help Dallwallinu's only doctor, Dr Mary finds herself busier than she had ever expected. Although stipulating in her contract that she would not work 24/7, she realises that without adequate support, a contract in the bush can be very difficult to enforce.

Desperately Seeking Doctors: Unexpected Territory

Years 7-8, 9-10 Health and PE, Geography, Intercultural Understanding, Personal and social capability

Having left Kalgoorlie to help Dallwallinu's only doctor, Dr Mary finds herself busier than she had ever expected. Although stipulating in her contract that she would not work 24/7, she realises that without adequate support, a contract in the bush can be very difficult to enforce.

For the residents and councils of many rural Australian communities, maintaining a reliable health care service is a constant challenge. Despite extensive domestic and international recruitment campaigns, doctors are leaving some rural communities faster than they can be replaced. Earlier this year the Federal Health Minister said the rural health system in Australia was 'a dire state of affairs', and promised a complete overhaul of workforce incentives and programs. But when the Government announced its budget allocation a few weeks later, it was met with a disappointed response from both the Australian Medical Association and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia. Desperately Seeking Doctors is a three part documentary series which reveals the personal stories behind the doctors' crisis in Australia.

Desperately Seeking Doctors: Unfamiliar Territory

Years 7-8, 9-10 Health and PE, Geography, Intercultural Understanding, Personal and social capability

For the residents and councils of many rural Australian communities, maintaining a reliable health care service is a constant challenge. Despite extensive domestic and international recruitment campaigns, doctors are leaving some rural communities faster than they can be replaced. Earlier this year the Federal Health Minister said the rural health system in Australia was 'a dire state of affairs', and promised a complete overhaul of workforce incentives and programs. But when the Government announced its budget allocation a few weeks later, it was met with a disappointed response from both the Australian Medical Association and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia. Desperately Seeking Doctors is a three part documentary series which reveals the personal stories behind the doctors' crisis in Australia.

Latest Health and PE programs

View All

What's the difference between venomous and poisonous? Can venom be used for good? Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined (not live) by Coney the Cone Shell to answer your stinging questions about venom.

Brainbuzz: Venom

Years 3-4, 5-6 Dance, Health and PE

What's the difference between venomous and poisonous? Can venom be used for good? Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined (not live) by Coney the Cone Shell to answer your stinging questions about venom.

It's all about fancy footwork this episode when we learn the tricks of the trade from a movie stuntwoman, and try dancing underwater when we meet some synchronised swimmers.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

It's all about fancy footwork this episode when we learn the tricks of the trade from a movie stuntwoman, and try dancing underwater when we meet some synchronised swimmers.

This program takes to the sky as we barrel roll, love heart and loop the loop with the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes - all that and we learn to say "I love you", penguin style. Don't miss it!

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

This program takes to the sky as we barrel roll, love heart and loop the loop with the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes - all that and we learn to say "I love you", penguin style. Don't miss it!

The global vitamin industry is worth billions of pounds. If you believe the hype, vitamin pills are the answer to all your problems; they keep your heart healthy, improve your intelligence, make your hair shine, and are essential for general wellbeing. But do we really need them?

Vitamin Pills: Miracle or Myth?

Years 9-10, 11-12 Health and PE, Science

The global vitamin industry is worth billions of pounds. If you believe the hype, vitamin pills are the answer to all your problems; they keep your heart healthy, improve your intelligence, make your hair shine, and are essential for general wellbeing. But do we really need them?

On this show, dingo pups check out their new home and we get the how-to on a high-ropes course. Have you ever wondered how you get to be a TV presenter? Watch to find out.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

On this show, dingo pups check out their new home and we get the how-to on a high-ropes course. Have you ever wondered how you get to be a TV presenter? Watch to find out.

How do marine mammals stay warm? What is a dugong? Who cares for rescued marine mammals? Join Kellyn, resident scientist Clare, the crew and Pedro Polar Bear, who answer all your questions about marine mammals.

Brainbuzz: Marine Mammals

Years 3-4, 5-6 Dance, Health and PE

How do marine mammals stay warm? What is a dugong? Who cares for rescued marine mammals? Join Kellyn, resident scientist Clare, the crew and Pedro Polar Bear, who answer all your questions about marine mammals.

We meet unique unicyclers hanging out at the skate park, check in on a plan to bring a type of bandicoot back from the brink of extinction, and rug up as we head to the rink to meet ice dancers.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We meet unique unicyclers hanging out at the skate park, check in on a plan to bring a type of bandicoot back from the brink of extinction, and rug up as we head to the rink to meet ice dancers.

We've got a bit of everything on this show. We check out a dance that's also a martial art, help injured dogs get back on their paws, and take a dip with a swimming champ. Don't miss it.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We've got a bit of everything on this show. We check out a dance that's also a martial art, help injured dogs get back on their paws, and take a dip with a swimming champ. Don't miss it.

Vogue Williams is no stranger to crippling anxiety, which she tries to manage with diet and exercise, but now she's on a mission to find a cure. Vogue lifts the lid on a silent but growing epidemic that is set to affect one in nine people in Ireland in her lifetime.

Anxiety Epidemic with Vogue

Years 9-10, 11-12 Health and PE

Vogue Williams is no stranger to crippling anxiety, which she tries to manage with diet and exercise, but now she's on a mission to find a cure. Vogue lifts the lid on a silent but growing epidemic that is set to affect one in nine people in Ireland in her lifetime.

An airline passenger with chest pain, a workplace rescue, and a life-or-death situation for an elderly patient: how do our ambos face these challenges?

Ambulance Australia

Years 11-12 Health and PE

An airline passenger with chest pain, a workplace rescue, and a life-or-death situation for an elderly patient: how do our ambos face these challenges?

We take a dip with some sharks, we get the how-to on some super cool skateboard tricks, and learn a few more tricks at circus school.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We take a dip with some sharks, we get the how-to on some super cool skateboard tricks, and learn a few more tricks at circus school.

An in-depth look at the career of basketball player Ervin 'Magic' Johnson and the days leading up to, and the years following, his announcement to the world that he was HIV-positive.

Magic Johnson: The Announcement

Years 11-12 Health and PE

An in-depth look at the career of basketball player Ervin 'Magic' Johnson and the days leading up to, and the years following, his announcement to the world that he was HIV-positive.

We learn the do's and don'ts of duckling care, get the lowdown on the best drum beats, and check out the 'how to' of hula-hooping. How could you miss this episode?

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We learn the do's and don'ts of duckling care, get the lowdown on the best drum beats, and check out the 'how to' of hula-hooping. How could you miss this episode?

Are spiders insects? How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? Why are bees so important? Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined by Doug the Dung Beetle to answer your bug-related questions.

Brainbuzz: Insects

Years 3-4, 5-6 Dance, Health and PE

Are spiders insects? How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? Why are bees so important? Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined by Doug the Dung Beetle to answer your bug-related questions.

We meet the stars of the reptile world, find out how 20 rollerskaters stay in time, and ever wondered how to wakeboard? Wonder no more - watch and find out.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We meet the stars of the reptile world, find out how 20 rollerskaters stay in time, and ever wondered how to wakeboard? Wonder no more - watch and find out.

There's something for everyone this episode. We meet an orphan foal looking for a new mum, give bagpipes a blow, and have you ever wondered how to herd ducks? Watch and find out.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

There's something for everyone this episode. We meet an orphan foal looking for a new mum, give bagpipes a blow, and have you ever wondered how to herd ducks? Watch and find out.

It's the start of a regular workday for most in Australia's most populated city, but no day as an Australian paramedic is ordinary, and this particular weekday shift soon turns to carnage.

Ambulance Australia

Years 11-12 Health and PE

It's the start of a regular workday for most in Australia's most populated city, but no day as an Australian paramedic is ordinary, and this particular weekday shift soon turns to carnage.

Vogue Williams explores the world of single mothers by choice, meeting Irish solo mums like Vicky and Annemarie who have made that life-changing decision to have a baby alone because life hasn't dealt them the cards they thought it might.

Sperm Banks and Single Mums with Vogue

Years 11-12 Health and PE, Biology

Vogue Williams explores the world of single mothers by choice, meeting Irish solo mums like Vicky and Annemarie who have made that life-changing decision to have a baby alone because life hasn't dealt them the cards they thought it might.

Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined (not live) by Benjamin Franklin and the Five Senses to answer sensory questions.

Brainbuzz: Human Senses

Years 3-4, 5-6 Dance, Health and PE

Kellyn, resident scientist Clare and the crew are joined (not live) by Benjamin Franklin and the Five Senses to answer sensory questions.

We're tunnelling deep down underground, we meet an oh so cute dingo pup looking for friends, and find out what it's like to have a motocross track in your backyard.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We're tunnelling deep down underground, we meet an oh so cute dingo pup looking for friends, and find out what it's like to have a motocross track in your backyard.

Anna Richardson and campaigners Georgia Harper and Sam Ahern, who both have autism, set out to uncover the true face of autism today. Working closely with charities, experts, and people with autism from across the spectrum.

Are You Autistic?

Years 9-10, 11-12 Health and PE, Science

Anna Richardson and campaigners Georgia Harper and Sam Ahern, who both have autism, set out to uncover the true face of autism today. Working closely with charities, experts, and people with autism from across the spectrum.

We answer the big questions on this episode. How do you build the perfect house for a bee, what does a little penguin like for lunch, and just how fast can you skip? Watch to find out.

Totally Wild

Years 3-4, 5-6 Science, Health and PE

We answer the big questions on this episode. How do you build the perfect house for a bee, what does a little penguin like for lunch, and just how fast can you skip? Watch to find out.

Sometimes high-level medical intervention is required. Sometimes it's just a chat. In this episode, you'll see that the art of being a good paramedic is getting that prescription right, every time.

Ambulance Australia

Years 11-12 Health and PE

Sometimes high-level medical intervention is required. Sometimes it's just a chat. In this episode, you'll see that the art of being a good paramedic is getting that prescription right, every time.

Dr Chris van Tulleken looks into one of the biggest health crises facing young people: depression. The number of children in Britain being treated with drugs for depression almost doubled from 2005 to 2015. Chris wants to know why so many children are being given these meds and whether they actually work. He discovers that most antidepressants are not effective in children, while there is also a very real risk of them having increased suicidal thoughts.

The Doctor Who Took Kids Off Drugs

Years 11-12 Health and PE, Biology

Dr Chris van Tulleken looks into one of the biggest health crises facing young people: depression. The number of children in Britain being treated with drugs for depression almost doubled from 2005 to 2015. Chris wants to know why so many children are being given these meds and whether they actually work. He discovers that most antidepressants are not effective in children, while there is also a very real risk of them having increased suicidal thoughts.

This is a short film festival aimed at raising awareness of the abilities of people with a disability, with participants from all over the globe competing for over $160,000 worth of cash and prizes. Films must be a maximum of five minutes duration and carry the theme of focusing on the ability of people with a disability. 2018 saw a total of 297 entries, including 131 school entrants and 99 international films from across 28 countries.

Focus on Ability Film Festival: 2018

Years 7-8, 9-10 Media arts, Personal and social capability, Health and PE

This is a short film festival aimed at raising awareness of the abilities of people with a disability, with participants from all over the globe competing for over $160,000 worth of cash and prizes. Films must be a maximum of five minutes duration and carry the theme of focusing on the ability of people with a disability. 2018 saw a total of 297 entries, including 131 school entrants and 99 international films from across 28 countries.

Teaching resources for the Australian Curriculum

help@enhancetv.com.au

Screenrights

Loading...