Time for a change? Where to work as a radiologist in rural Australia

Thinking about what’s next in your radiology career? 

We’re here to make the case for working in regional Australia — and to show you the many different ways to do it. 

Exceptional radiologists take regional roles for all sorts of reasons — a fresh start, a stronger sense of purpose, a break from burnout, or simply to try something new through locum work or teleradiology. 

Three Ways We Can Help You Work Differently 

At Prescript, we support radiologists across three main work pathways — giving you the freedom to shape your next chapter: 

• Locum – Short- or medium-term placements with travel, accommodation, and logistics fully supported. 

• Permanent – Long-term moves to communities that value your expertise. 

• Teleradiology – Remote work from wherever you are, with flexible hours and excellent pay. 

Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you find the right fit. 

Why work in regional health? 

Because you’ll be making a difference where it matters. 

With radiologists in short supply outside the capitals, your skills can directly improve access to care in communities that need it most. That brings not just professional satisfaction, but real personal reward. 

It’s not only about impact, though — regional radiology roles can offer broader clinical exposure, better pay, and more flexible ways of working. There are real options, whether you're interested in locum stints, a permanent move, or even remote teleradiology. 

The benefits of working in regional Australia: 

1. Closer relationships with patients and referring clinicians 

2. Broader case variety – more opportunity to stay generalist or develop niche interests 

3. Higher earnings – rural incentives and less competition 

4. Lifestyle gains – a more relaxed pace outside of work 

5. Work-life balance – more control over your time 

6. Autonomy – shape your department and your role 

Where can radiology take you? 

Let these standout locations spark your imagination 

Whether you're after a sea change, tree change, or just somewhere new — there’s a community out there that fits your goals and values. We’re here to help you find it. 

Life on the Coast 

• Sunshine Coast, QLD – People flock here for holidays; imagine working here full-time, just a short drive from Brisbane. 

• Coffs Harbour, NSW – Beaches, great schools, and modern hospitals make this a favourite for families. 

• Broome, WA – Deliver high-impact care one day, and ride camels at sunset the next.  

Somewhere Green and Cool 

• Launceston, TAS – A foodie and nature-lover’s haven with a close-knit hospital culture. 

• Bega, NSW – A lush farming valley known for its cheese and charm, with real demand for radiologists. 

• Albury-Wodonga, NSW/VIC – Twin cities with regional hospital infrastructure, great living and even better fresh air.  

Somewhere Warm and Dry 

• Alice Springs, NT – Remote, rewarding, and full of clinical diversity. 

• Broken Hill, NSW – Historic and artistic, Broken Hill offers depth — in both culture and casework. 

• Kalgoorlie, WA – Regional WA’s largest city with strong facilities and a need for generalist radiologists. 

What happens if one of these sparks your interest? 

When you give the word, we’ll take it from there. 

Prescript’s concierge-level support means you can focus on the work while we handle logistics — from credentialing and travel to helping you find local coffee, accommodation, and social circles. We’ll make the move simple and stress-free. 

Where to find work as a regional radiologist 

Australia’s regional imaging landscape is varied, giving you flexibility in how and where you work: 

1. Large private imaging networks 
   Multi-site providers with national systems and support. Great for those who enjoy structure, with the opportunity to pursue sub-specialty interests alongside generalist work. 

2. Independent regional clinics 
   Often single-site or family-run, these offer autonomy, variety, and deeper relationships with your referrers and community. 

3. Public hospitals 
   From regional base hospitals to remote district health services, expect broader clinical exposure and opportunities for interventional or teaching roles. 

4. Private hospitals 
   Modern, well-equipped environments with elective-heavy caseloads and less emergency pressure. 

5. Teleradiology providers 
   Deliver meaningful reports from wherever you’re based. It’s an ideal solution for radiologists wanting flexibility or who aren’t ready to relocate. 

Your questions answered 

What’s the cost of living like?

In short: lower. Rent alone can be dramatically cheaper. In Alice Springs, for example, average rent is around 70% less than in Sydney (Numbeo, 2025). That means more left over for travel, family, or fun. 

Is relocating hard? 

Not with us. We’ll handle everything — from paperwork and onboarding to where to park and how to connect with the local community. You won’t go it alone. 

Will I get bored? 

Not likely. Most radiologists tell us the variety, autonomy, and lifestyle balance make life feel richer — not quieter. Plus, regional and remote work often brings unique clinical challenges you won’t see elsewhere. 

Can I do this remotely? 

Yes — many radiology groups now offer teleradiology roles with competitive rates and full flexibility. If that’s more your style, we can help. 

When you're ready, we’re here 

Prescript is here to connect radiologists with the right work — whether you’re on the move, working from home, or stepping into something new. We bring clarity, care and real insight into every placement. 

Let’s talk about what’s next. 

Connect with Prescript →

Connect With Prescript

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“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Feeling burnt out? Locum work could be the circuit breaker you need

Burnout affects more doctors than many would like to admit. You’re not alone if you’ve started feeling disconnected from the work you once found deeply rewarding. Long shifts, relentless rosters, and system pressures can wear down even the most committed clinicians.

But it doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

At Prescript, we partner with doctors who are ready for something different - something more flexible, more fulfilling, and more sustainable. Locum work could be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

What makes locum work such a powerful alternative?

It’s not just about stepping away from the familiar—it’s about reconnecting with the purpose behind your practice. Locum roles offer flexibility, variety, and real-world impact. Here’s how:

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Make a difference where it matters most

Locum doctors are often the reason a rural hospital or clinic can keep its doors open. Your skills can provide continuity of care in communities that would otherwise go without.

Step into new settings—and grow

Whether it’s a remote retrieval base, an Aboriginal Medical Service, or a regional ED, each locum placement gives you exposure to new challenges, settings, and teams. You’ll sharpen your clinical skills and broaden your professional perspective.

Take back control of your time

With the flexibility to choose when and where you work, you can build a schedule that suits your life—not the other way around. Whether you're seeking a long-term break from permanent work or a few weeks to reset, locuming puts the decision-making back in your hands.

Earn well—without burnout

Locum rates are often significantly higher than salaried positions, particularly in more remote areas. It’s a chance to build financial stability without compromising your wellbeing.

Reignite your passion for medicine

Changing your environment can do wonders for your mindset. We’ve seen doctors rediscover why they chose medicine in the first place—simply by stepping into a new role, in a new place, with the right support behind them.

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Your next chapter starts here

At Prescript, we specialise in perfectly placing doctors in regional and remote roles - locum, telehealth, or permanent. We’ll manage the logistics, sort the paperwork, and be your partner every step of the way.

If you’re feeling stuck, stretched, or simply ready for a change, explore our locum opportunities. It might be the most rewarding move of your career.

Discover current locum roles →

Connect With Prescript

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“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Every Prescript Placement Now Supports Families of Seriously Ill Children

At Prescript Recruitment, we’ve always believed that recruitment should be about more than just filling roles. It should be about making a difference where it truly matters. We’ve spent years helping to solve Australia’s regional doctor shortage, ensuring communities have access to quality healthcare. But we’ve always known we could do more.

That’s why I’m incredibly proud to share our latest initiative. From 1st March, every doctor we place will now help provide essential support for families with seriously ill children through our partnership with B1G1 and their handpicked projects for Ronald McDonald House.

If you’re a doctor working with us or a health service partnering with Prescript, you’re now part of something even bigger. Your work is changing lives—not just in hospitals, but for families going through the toughest times.

Giving That’s Part of What We Do

This isn’t new for us. Giving has always been at the heart of Prescript. Through our Platinum Partnership with B1G1 (Business for Good), every placement, every success, and every relationship we build contributes to something greater.

Over the years, we’ve supported projects that provide:

• Over a million days of access to clean water for communities in need

• Healthcare for children living in poverty in India

• Medical salaries in Kenya to support rural hospitals

• Hundreds of meals for families who would otherwise go hungry

Now, we’re focusing on helping families closer to home. We know that when a child is seriously ill, life is turned upside down. Families often have to leave home, work, and everything familiar behind to be by their child’s side in hospital. The stress, both emotional and financial, can be overwhelming.

That’s where you come in.

How Every Placement is Making a Difference

From March, every doctor placed in a regional or telehealth role through Prescript will help fund one of two life-changing initiatives run by RMHC:

Helping Sick Kids Stay on Track with School

When children spend long periods in hospital, their education often suffers. The Ronald McDonald Learning Programme provides one-to-one tutoring and tailored support, so kids don’t fall behind in school. Your placement helps ensure these children have the resources they need to rebuild their confidence and return to the classroom.

Providing Comfort to Families in Hospital

When a child is in hospital, parents often don’t leave their side for weeks or months at a time. The Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart provides snacks, books, toys, toiletries, and comfort items to help families feel supported during their stay. Thanks to your placement, more families will have one less thing to worry about.

What This Means for You

If you’re a doctor working with Prescript, know that every locum, telehealth, or permanent role you take is helping a child and their family in need. Your skills are already making an impact in regional Australia, and now your work is changing lives beyond the hospital too.

If you’re a health service, your partnership with Prescript means you’re not only securing the best doctors for your community—you’re also contributing to something bigger. Every placement through Prescript now carries a ripple effect of care, compassion, and support.

Why This Matters

This is what recruitment should be about. It’s about solving problems, supporting communities, and making sure that every placement means something. We’re not just filling rosters; we’re building a future where healthcare professionals and health services create lasting change—together.

To everyone who has worked with us—thank you. Because of you, we’re not just placing doctors. We’re changing lives.

James Hill
Founder, Prescript Recruitment

Connect With Prescript

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“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

International Women’s Day Questions - Dr Sabei Shwe, Consultant Geriatrician

This International Women’s Day 2025, we honor the significant contributions of women in medicine by featuring formidable women like Dr. Sabei Shwe, a Consultant Geriatrician whose commitment to caring for the elderly is profoundly inspiring. These conversations provide us with a deeper understanding of the personal and professional lives of women who are driving change in the medical field.

Join us as we explore the enriching story of Dr. Sabei Shwe, whose dedication to geriatric care highlights the evolving needs of our ageing population and the pivotal role women can play in meeting these challenges within the healthcare system.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine and how did you navigate your journey to becoming a Geriatrician? 

Helping sick people, and particularly the older population, has always been my passion.

I chose medicine because it is science-based, never boring, involves dealing with life and death, is challenging and stressful, yet full of rewarding experiences.

I was specifically drawn to geriatrics because I grew up with my grandparents and realised they needed a multidisciplinary team approach.

With the ageing population growing here in Australia, I knew there would always be a need in this area.

I find it incredibly rewarding to see an elderly person go through rehabilitation and be able to return home.

2. What qualities do you believe are essential for women in medical roles? 

Passion, commitment, and dedication.

It's important to know your own limits, from which you can prioritise and delegate effectively.

Maintaining a work-life balance is essential to preserve your productivity and avoid stress or burnout.

3. What changes would you like to see in the healthcare industry to better support women? 

I would like to see male counterparts supporting women, especially those with young families, by being understanding and supportive when they need to take sick and personal leave.

There needs to be a better understanding of women's lives beyond work.

Flexibility is crucial.

This is particularly important for junior female doctors with young families.

4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?

Professor Barbara Walkman, who is now retired, was the Head of Geriatrics at Monash Health. She was very nurturing and mothering, had excellent leadership skills, and was a huge support to females both in and outside of work. She was the reason the Monash Health department was such a friendly environment. Working with her was a great example. 

5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a role the healthcare industry ? 

Be persistent; there will be barriers and challenges, especially when you have children.

Believe in yourself.

Know your limit so you can have your own time and look after your well-being.

6. What can our male allies do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace? 

Workshops are highly effective. Monash Health, before COVID, used to run wonderful workshops specifically for women. These workshops covered a variety of topics including leadership, education, tips for balancing work-life balance, communication skills like how to communicate with men across different hierarchies, and skills to change the culture in the workplace. They were composed of experts, doctors, and motivational speakers. She found them very useful and believes they are a great way to support women in the workplace.

Dr. Sabei Shwe's career is a beacon for the necessity of dedicated care for the elderly and the powerful impact of women in specialised medical fields. As we celebrate International Women's Day, her journey is a powerful reminder of the strides we've made and the opportunities that remain in creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system.

Get inspired by more stories of incredible women making significant impacts in healthcare. Click the links below to read further interviews and join the conversation.

• Read Dr Jillian Farmer’s interview here.

• Read Dr Sidney Chandrasiri’s interview here.

• Read Dr Noor Ridha’s interview here.

International Women's Day - Dr Jillian Farmer, Rural Generalist and DMS

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on incredible women in healthcare like Dr Jillian Farmer, a Rural Generalist and Director of Medical Services, whose roots and journey are as inspiring as they are unique. Growing up in Rockhampton and starting her medical career bonded to rural service, Jillian’s path has taken her from regional Australia to the global stage with the UN, and back to her local community.

Explore the compelling narrative of Dr Jillian Farmer, whose dedication to rural health and leadership offers vital insights and encouragement for women aiming to make their mark in the healthcare sector.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Rural Generalist, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on healthcare in rural and remote communities? 

I grew up in Rockhampton, and had a rural bonded scholarship as a medical student.  I had planned to be a rural doctor, but life gets in the way.  I was only 4 weeks out of Med School and I met my now husband, who happens to be a medical researcher who needed the full facilities of the Qld Institute of Medical Research to work.  I did work in regional locations for the duration of my bonded term,  but gave up on the dream as that relationship formalised, and it became clear that going rural would not work at that time in our lives. 

I learned so much during those early years in regional and rural facilities that took me such a long way – including ot my work in the UN, where I could take that understanding of isolated practice, to support the healthcare staff working for the UN in places that many of us in Oz would be unable to find on a map. 

When the chance arose to work in the region I grew up in – it was a no-brainer, and I’ve been so happy to return there.  The community also seem to really like knowing that even though I fly in fly out, my roots were local.   

2. As a leader in healthcare and as DMS, what qualities do you believe are essential for women in this field? 

As is so often the case, there are different expectations of women leaders.  I railed against this for most of my career, but it is what it is.  Women walk a fine line – be assertive, but not too assertive, lest you be labelled aggressive.  Be kind and accommodating, but don’t be a pushover.  Be nice, but not weak.  ARGH - it drives me bonkers.   

I especially noticed this when I returned from the UN< where gender equity is perhaps a little easier because the UN has to work across cultural norms and just state and adhere to what is expected – so gender equity was expected, and was generally delivered. 

To get to the actual question you asked, women leaders need exactly the same qualities as any leaders, and women who can find the courage to be their true self at work do incredibly well. The days when women had to emulate men to get ahead are starting to pass, but I’d encourage women leaders to look at feedback they get through the lens of “Is this actually just telling me to be a man?” – and if it is, maybe don’t do that.  

My greatest leadership successes have come when I unleashed my real self at work, my true values, my true beliefs, my actual vulnerabilities and challenges.  Every leader needs resilience and self awareness – I think women need a slightly stronger bullshit filter so they don’t let the rubbish detraction and microagressions get them down. 

I still regularly get called nurse.   

3. Balancing the demands of rural medicine and family life can be challenging. What changes would you like to see to support women juggling medical careers and parenthood better? 

I’d like it to not be a conversation about women juggling medical careers and parenthood.  It should be about parents of all genders juggling medical careers and parenthood.  When we make the discussion not about women, we’ll be starting to win. 

That’s hard, because Australia still has incredibly gendered social expectations.  That includes child care but also extends to eldercare.  WE need to add our voices to the chorus demanding gender equity across the board, not just more measures focused on women, because that, in my view, just perpetuates and legitimises the inequity.   

4. How can the healthcare industry create more opportunities and support systems for women in leadership roles? 

Ooh – great question.  I’ve just chaired a working group that presented a report (currently out for consultation) on this very issue.  The draft recommendations are:  

• Develop a national program for measurement and reporting of workforce and leadership diversity in health care. This should:  

• Establish a baseline by transparently reporting current workforce composition and, at a minimum, examining gender and race (and preferably other aspects of diversity) to measure the diversity of different health profession cadres, along with how well that diversity is reflected across the range of seniority and pay scales. 

• Collect and report (as currently happens in other countries) data about the diversity of applicant pools for both jobs and training programs, and report on the related diversity of successful applicants.  

• Amend the Medical Training Survey so that data on race, neurodiversity, disability and more is collected, allowing correlation of these factors with training experience. 

• Using the data above (preferably, but if not available, using other methods), identify fall-off points in the career development pipeline and provide targeted interventions to diverse employees and enhance their access to career opportunities.  

Address institutionalised drivers of inequality: 

• Collect and examine data on diversity for temporary promotions or special projects that are filled without a formal recruitment process.  

• Ensure that there is transparency of methods for funding allocation to leadership activities, so that unconscious bias against diverse leaders does not set them up for failure through inequitable resourcing.  

• Examine (for each professional grouping) gender and race pay gaps at each appointment level, and identify and address drivers of any gaps (e.g. overtime, inequitable or biased criteria for promotion) 

• Develop specific strategies to reach and motivate mid-level managers who are critical to creating a truly inclusive leadership pipeline. While top leadership commitment is key, the day-to-day experience of emerging leaders is shaped by their immediate supervisors.  

Re-examine and challenge existing stereotypes of leadership:

• Implement strengths-based leadership development assessment and training. Current models of deficit-based assessments cause diverse groups to be under-valued by metrics that reinforce historical stereotypes of leadership. 

• Develop systems and structures to learn from First Nations ways of knowing and being for the benefit of all patient and staff populations.  

• Implement a variety of leadership models, learning from other cultures, including shared leadership  

• Implement programs that elevate the perception of diversity as an asset, rather than an issue to be managed. 

Promote and celebrate multilingualism:

• Leverage the global sourcing of healthcare staff — continuously invite and respect proposals for improvements and economies that are effective and proven in other countries, being sure to guard against unconscious preference for anglosphere or European initiatives.  

• Create systems and structures that allow employees of diverse perspectives to be valued and be seen to be valued. Encourage diversity of thought.  

5. What advice would you give to women aspiring to become Rural Generalists or pursue careers in other demanding medical fields? 

Maybe don’t marry someone who needs a biohazard 3 laboratory?  (only kidding – my husband has been a rock, and my career would not have existed without the inspiration and encouragement he gave me).  

My biggest and recurring advice to women is to claim the territory, don’t ask for permission.  I get so many women asking me what else they need to do to be “good enough” but I almost  never get asked that by a man, and if I do it’s an IMG.   

IT’s been shown that women don’t apply for jobs if they don’t self-assess as meeting close to 100% of the selection criteria, but men will apply if they meet as little as 60%.  Ironically, the men have historically been appointed more despite that merit gap, but that reflects the bias in selection processes, not the quality of the applicants.  

So – find a job you want, name it out loud and apply.  Defy those who would prefer you didn’t apply…make them uncomfortable if you must but go in to battle for your dream.  You might not get the first, second or third job, but you might also be surprised.  Nobody was more surprised than me when I got the job as UN medical director.   

6. How can all colleagues and leaders be allies in promoting gender equality and supporting women in rural healthcare 

Here I’d like to promote one of my favourite UN programs – He For She – where it specifically outlines the things that allies can do to promote gender equality. 

www.he4she 

I would also like to promote some of the input I got from colleagues during the preparation of the report I mentioned above.  Women tell me that they don’t need more mentors – they need more real opportunities to grow and demonstrate their leadership capability. 

So next time you are thinking of shoulder-tapping someone -and if your finger twitches to the shoulder one of the usual suspects, just stop and think – “Who else could I ask”.  It’s a great question and can lead you to find some amazing talent.  

Dr Jillian Farmer's career is a testament to the impact of sticking true to one's roots and the importance of genuine leadership in healthcare. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Dr Jillian Farmer's story highlights the essential need for enhanced healthcare in rural areas and the influential role women can play in driving these improvements.

Get inspired by more stories of formidable women in healthcare who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

• Read Dr Sidney Chandrasiri’s interview here.

• Read Dr Sabei Shwe’s interview here.

• Read Dr Noor Ridha’s interview here.

International Women's Day - Dr Sidney Chandrasiri, Director of Medical Services

This International Women’s Day 2025, we honor the influential women making strides in medical leadership. Our spotlight shines on Dr Sidney Chandrasiri, Director of Medical Services, whose journey and insights inspire those aiming to reshape the healthcare landscape. Through her personal story and expert advice, Sidney provides a blueprint for women aiming to excel in healthcare management.

Join us in exploring the narrative of Dr Sidney Chandrasiri as we discuss her path to leadership, the challenges women face in healthcare, and the actions needed to foster a more inclusive and equitable professional environment.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medical leadership, and how did you navigate your journey to becoming a Director of Medical Services?

Might be a cliché but it was almost a calling from my very junior doctor days. Whilst the individual patient care provision and integration was rewarding, I found myself wanting to impact healthcare at a larger and broader scale, enable improvements that could benefit whole populations and transform entire health systems for the betterment of individuals' healthcare and outcomes. 

2. What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for women in healthcare management roles?

Authenticity and a genuine passion for healthcare management is what I believe will help women who want to make an actual difference in healthcare management. Taking on healthcare management for the sake of a 9 to 5 job or because there wasn't anything else interesting to do or able to be done, would almost be a disservice to the profession as well as to the patients who ultimately will be impacted by the decisions made. 

3. What changes would you like to see in the healthcare industry to better support women in leadership roles?

Awareness of tall poppy syndrome, professional rivalry and conscious or unconscious bias, particularly arising from women in senior leadership positions themselves, are some of the silent barriers that are yet to be addressed if we are to genuinely support women into leadership roles. 

4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?

Senior healthcare leaders who are in the job for the right reasons, who have the ultimate focus on ensuring patient-centricity first and who strive sometimes against immense odds to ensure decisions that result in the wellbeing of individuals, regardless of financial, political and bureaucratic barriers. I wish I could say I've been lucky to have senior female leaders as mentors or influencers, but unfortunately this has not been my experience at all, and that alone speaks volumes as to the prevalent reasons why women in leadership roles are still not supported as well as they could be. 

5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue leadership roles in medicine?

To reflect on their own motives for why they want to pursue leadership roles, and to be clear you're in it for the right reasons, and to ensure integrity in their decision making as a leader, because at the end of the day, medical leaders particularly are in a powerful position to significantly impact the lives of vulnerable people, often populations at a time. 

6. What can our male allies do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace?

I think the culture has actually shifted significantly in terms of male leaders who uplift, mentor, sponsor and support women into leadership roles. Rather, the more pertinent question we should be asking this international women's day is, what can we do as an industry to ensure our female allies feel less threatened, more empowered and better able to uplift and support other women to advance in healthcare leadership roles. 

Dr Sidney Chandrasiri's journey is a powerful reminder of what it takes to lead in the healthcare world: real dedication, solid support, and the courage to push for change. As we celebrate International Women's Day, her story highlights both the progress we've achieved and the hurdles we still need to overcome to ensure a fair and supportive work environment in healthcare.

Dive deeper and connect with the stories of other incredible women shaping the future of healthcare. Check out the links below to read more interviews and join the conversation.

• Read Dr Jillian Farmer’s interview here.

• Read Dr Noor Ridha’s interview here.

• Read Dr Sabei Shwe’s interview here.

International Women's Day - Q&A with Dr Noor Ridha, Radiologist

This International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in the medical field. Through insightful interviews with professionals like Dr Noor Ridha, we highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of women in healthcare. These interviews offer us a window into the personal and professional lives of these changemakers, providing inspiration and guidance to the next generation of medical professionals.

Join us as we delve into the compelling narrative of Dr Noor Ridha, whose experiences illuminate the path towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in radiology, and how did you navigate your journey to achieving your FRANZCR fellowship?

When I realised the part of my job I enjoyed most was solving the puzzle of the diagnosis, and what I enjoyed the least were the nights and shift work, radiology was an easy choice. The more time I spent in the radiology department learning about all of the different ways radiologists are integral to the running of any healthcare facility (diagnostic reporting, providing input at MDTs, or procedural work), the more I fell in love with the specialty.

I applied for training as a PGY3 whilst I was working in London (as part of an exchange program with the hospital I was employed in NZ) and thankfully received an offer for a training position in Auckland – perhaps the committee was impressed that I flew all the way from London just for the interview! So I moved back to NZ in November 2019 and started training the following month, and was very lucky to narrowly miss out on experiencing the COVID pandemic in London. Five years later, after multiple exams and countless nights of studying, I was finally on the other side and obtained my FRANZCR fellowship.

2. What qualities do you believe are essential for women to succeed and lead in the field of radiology?

Although I think this applies to most medical specialties, I believe one of the most important qualities for women to succeed and lead in radiology (especially when it comes to the training aspect) is being good with time management, you must be very organised as the job can be very demanding and fast-paced. Beyond training, it is very important to keep up to date with new techniques in imaging by attending conferences and taking courses as the field of radiology is constantly changing and evolving, especially with artificial intelligence starting to play a role.

3. What changes would you like to see in the healthcare industry to better support women in specialist roles, particularly in radiology?

From my experience working in New Zealand, I actually feel radiology is one of the most supportive specialties for women in specialist roles. It is one of the few roles where working from home or part-time work is an easy option allowing flexibility when it comes to work-life balance. There’s plenty of work so a woman can be as involved as she wants to be or reduce work responsibilities to allow for other life roles. Women at my workplace were well supported in training if they required maternity leave or part-time work when coming back after having children.

4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?

I have had so many great mentors that it is really hard to think of just a handful of people, but I do feel that the consultants at my training hospitals who gave up their time and energy to give us regular weekly teaching were truly incredible; it’s an immense privilege to have been trained by such brilliant teachers and I always remember them when I come across cases where they taught me something that really made things “click” in my mind.

Radiology is a very challenging training program with some of the most difficult exams across all specialties but there is also immense support for the trainees; the consultants supervising are amongst the friendliest and most easy going people I’ve ever worked with, and I knew the short term torture of putting my head down and studying would lead to a very rewarding and fulfilling career in the long run.

5. What advice would you give to young women pursuing careers in radiology or other medical specialties?

As long as you enjoy what you are doing day to day, you will be happy and successful in the long run. The main piece of advice I would give to young women pursuing medical specialties is to prioritize their mental well-being; specialty training is the one of the most stressful things I have ever done and I believe women tend to be more conscientious than men, so we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be the best we can be. Despite all of this, we also tend to experience a lot of imposter syndrome and feel like we’re not good enough. There were times where I believe my mental well-being was close to rock bottom and looking back, I wish I had looked after myself more and forced myself to relax and take it easy. In the end, everything always works out as it should.

6. What can all members of the medical community do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace?

Being aware of the many ways in which women can be treated differently than men by different staff members or patients (there were countless times I would finish seeing a patient and they would then ask, “so when do I see the doctor?”). Also, being aware of the disadvantages experienced by women who choose to have a family compared to their male counterparts, whether it be from a financial perspective or career progression, and trying to make outcomes as fair as possible.

Dr Noor Ridha's journey shows the importance of support, resilience, and continuous learning in achieving professional excellence and leadership. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Dr Ridha's story is a powerful reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead in ensuring equality and opportunity for all in the healthcare sector.

Discover more inspiring stories and join the conversation by clicking below to read other interviews with influential women who are making a significant impact in healthcare.

• Read Dr Jillian Farmer’s interview here.

• Read Dr Sidney Chandrasiri’s interview here.

• Read Dr Sabei Shwe’s interview here.