In a special International Women's Day episode, Medical Flyways host Dr Srishti Dutta stepped into the guest seat to share her own compelling story. Interviewed by Lizzie from Wavelength, Dr Dutta, a GP, podcaster, and advocate for inclusivity in healthcare, offered insights into her journey to Australia, the challenges faced by international medical graduates, and the importance of self-care and equity in the medical profession.
From India to Australia: A Journey of Purpose
Dr Dutta's path to Australia was influenced by a desire for both family connection and a more supportive environment for her family. "Australia had always been on the horizon because I have extended family in Australia," Dr Dutta explained, noting the "pull factor" of having more family nearby. Ultimately, she made the move to Australia in 2014 with her husband and older daughter, arriving via the UK.
Her upbringing in India, with a mother and grandmother in medicine, instilled in her the importance of financial independence and a strong work ethic. "The idea of being financially independent was quite, whether consciously or unconsciously, always very present," Dr Dutta reflected.
The Value of Community and Connection
A desire to connect and share experiences prompted Dr Dutta to create the Medical Flyways podcast. "Almost everyone I sought out for the Medical Flyways interviews always used to say, 'well, what makes you think my story is worth telling?'" she shared. This highlighted a need for doctors to recognise the value in their own journeys and to connect with others.
Navigating Challenges Faced by International Medical Graduates
Dr Dutta's personal experiences and her work with international medical graduates have given her a deep understanding of the challenges they face. She notes the complexity of regulations surrounding Medicare billing and migration, stating, "So I've informally spoken to a lot of people over time to try and help them understand the rules that apply 19AA and 19AB, which is the legislation around the moratorium and restrictions for Medicare."
She also highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the need for greater awareness of the experiences of international doctors. Dr Dutta poignantly illustrates this with a story about a colleague who, unfamiliar with Australian customs, brought an empty plate to a 'bring a plate' event, highlighting the simple misunderstandings that can create feelings of exclusion.
Advocating for Equity and Self-Care
A strong advocate for equity in healthcare, Dr Dutta emphasises the need to provide different resources to different population groups to address their unique health needs. She states, "I'm again an advocate for equitable principles. I think, unfortunately, we don't live in a world where resources are infinite."
In addition, Dr Dutta stresses the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals, noting a tendency for doctors and other health providers to prioritise patient care over their own well-being. "Looking after yourself is your first and primary responsibility to before anyone else," she asserts.
A Vision for the Future
Dr Dutta's work on Medical Flyways and her advocacy for doctors and patients reflects a deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment. Relfecting on International Women's Day and the Australian theme for 2025 - Marching Forward, she aptly states, "Marching forward is not about one person. It's a collective effort."
Wavelength is proud to support Dr Dutta’s vision and her dedication to amplifying the voices of often marginalised doctors and fostering a greater understanding of the diverse experiences within the medical community.
Want to hear more?
Listen to the Medical Flyway podcast here
Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing info@wave.com.au