Member Profiles

Medical Student and Radiation Therapist Meet Caitlin McEwen, a final-year medical student with a deep passion for oncology, rural health and creating meaningful opportunities for future health professionals—especially those growing up in regional and remote communities. With a background as a qualified radiation therapist, Caitlin brings a unique, multidisciplinary lens to her medical journey. Originally from rural Canada, Caitlin’s path to the Pilbara began in 2020 when she moved to Port Hedland to prepare for the GAMSAT. While she later relocated to Perth to pursue medicine, her connection to the Pilbara remained strong—both through her partner’s continued work in the…

Meet Rebecca (Beck) Peck Retrieval Nurse | Registered Nurse/Midwife | RFDS WA – Hedland Base Beck is a passionate and experienced nurse-midwife whose journey through Western Australia has been anything but ordinary. Now proudly based in Port Hedland, Beck is a Retrieval Nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS WA), where she lives out what she calls her dream job every single day. "Retrieval nursing encompasses everything — acute critical care, adults, paediatrics, neonates, and pregnant women. We support outback communities, mine sites, and remote clinics. I get to combine all my passions: nursing, midwifery, travel, meeting new people, and helping…

Meet Rebecca Smith,  Clinical Nurse Manager at Justice Health and Wellbeing and Corrective Services. Oh and don't forget about Indi - Bec's very happy furbaby enjoying a dip in the ocean! Let's ask Bec some questions... What are your professional interests/specialities? Med/Surg by trade, I’ve worked with all stages of life from neonates in Special Care Nursery right through to the elderly and end-of-life care. My passion lies in rural health. I’m committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes and contributing to increasing services in the bush. Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a…

Occupation: Physiotherapist (Karratha Central Healthcare) What are your professional interests/specialities? I have cultivated a wide array of professional interests, all aimed at becoming a versatile practitioner in my field. One is that consistently captivates me is musculoskeletal injuries, particularly focusing on the complexities of the shoulder and knee injuries. Whether they arise from sports, work, or everyday incidents. I find the intricacies of diagnosis and treatment incredibly stimulating. Moreover, I have developed a strong passion for working with the geriatric population, particularly in chronic disease management such as arthritis, and heart conditions. It is incredibly fulfilling to apply my skills to…

Occupation: Speech Pathologist Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a speech pathologist in the Pilbara region?  I was born and raised in Perth, WA. I never saw myself moving to the country, let own an isolated remote town like Paraburdoo! I found myself moving to the Pilbara for love, following my long-term partner so that he could pursue his career passions – I have now been living in Paraburdoo for almost 2 years and have never looked back! What are your professional interests/specialities? Currently my skill set as a speech pathologist is as a rural…

Occupation: Pharmacist. Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a pharmacist in the Pilbara region? I came to Karratha as a fourth-year student to undertake my final placement with Pharmacy 777. It only took 3 short weeks for me to be convinced that I would come back as a pharmacist one day. Fast forward to 2023 and there I was moving my life to Karratha to join the 777 team. I haven’t looked back since! What are your professional interests/specialities? I am a pharmacist with a few unique roles: The core of my job is as…

Occupation: Senior Physiotherapist What are your professional interests/specialities? I am currently a generalist physiotherapist with a background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. I love the variety of work that being a generalist affords me. From inpatient, outpatient, community/outreach, paediatrics and more, my clinical days are never the same. Also more recently my current role as a senior physiotherapist challenges me to lead a team and help shape our physiotherapy department to better serve the community. It’s pretty special to be able to give back to the town I grew up in. Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to…

Occupation: Occupational Therapist  What are your professional interests/specialities? I am currently working with a broad spread of people with different disabilities and ages which can be challenging at times but very rewarding. I’m interested in finding creative ways to improve someone’s lifestyle or their engagement. At this stage I certainly do not have a speciality but I’m keen to explore how I could expand my skills across multiple areas to provide a more holistic across over time. Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be an Occupational Therapist in the Pilbara region?  I have always…

Occupation: Speech Pathologist What are your professional interests/specialities? I adore being a rural generalist and being ready to see any presentation who walks through the door! I have definitely developed a passion for working within the NDIS/disability space to support clients to achieve long term goals and it is such a privilege to work closely with families for extended periods of time. I am also interested in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) space and was lucky enough to have some research published in the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22000259.2024.2317470?src=exp-mr Tell us, where are you from…

Occupation: Senior Occupational Therapist and Managing Director of Pilbara Therapy Services. What are your professional interests/specialities? I am passionate about the big picture sustainability vision of our community and healthcare in the inclusion and accessibility space, which includes healthcare employee retention and clinical excellence. Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be an Occupational Therapist in the Pilbara region? I was born and bred on Nyoongar country and had the privilege to be relocated to the red dirt of the Pilbara in 2014 when I was an employee with Rio Tinto in the health and…