Marie Davey, an inspiring figure in the world of remote area nursing, joins us to share her extraordinary journey. From starting her nursing career in New South Wales in the 1980s to embracing the challenges and adventures of remote area nursing in Australia, Marie has become a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Listen as she recounts her memorable experiences, such as navigating to a placement by mail truck and tinnie during the wet season.

Marie brings to life the diverse responsibilities of remote nurses, who often serve as the sole healthcare resource in their communities. With hands-on experience in various fields from maternity to corrections health, Marie highlights the essential training and support needed to succeed in remote nursing roles. Her personal story illuminates the unique challenges faced, emphasising the need for a solid mentorship network, especially for those just beginning their remote nursing careers.

Through Marie's reflections, we explore the importance of building trust and the rewards of making a difference in isolated locations. She offers invaluable advice for aspiring nurses to remain open and curious, while also sharing insights into the lifestyle changes and job security challenges that come with contract work. This episode celebrates the transformative experience of remote nursing, where personal growth meets the opportunity to contribute significantly to communities in need.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Marie's Charity of Choice, Beyond Blue:

Beyond Blue
We all have good days and bad days. Then there are those days when something isn't quite right, you've got something on your mind, or things just seem too much. Beyond Blue’s free mental health services help connect you to that person. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, reach out to their free counselling services for support – they’ll point you in the right direction so you can get the help you need.

Visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support for more information.

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Annabelle Brayley says "Yes" when opportunities come her way. When a publisher at Penguin read an article she wrote in Outback Magazine, she began curating Bush Nurses for them which eventually led to becoming their published author.

Annabelle's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in a small community on the Western Darling Downs, she spent her early days as a registered nurse before transitioning to pivotal roles such as facilitating the establishment of a federal dementia program in Queensland, contributing richly to the RM Williams Outback magazine, and now her advocacy work with Remote Australians Matter.

Annabelle reflects on her early aspirations of becoming a hairdresser, influenced by her father's insistence to pursue nursing, to the unique learning environments of urban versus rural hospitals, the narrative paints a vivid picture of life and growth in rural settings.

In this episode, the topic of healthcare professionals’ transitioning into rural health and community service is explored. We hear about individuals who pivot from conventional roles to impactful positions, leveraging life skills like project management and community involvement.

The conversation takes a critical look at healthcare disparities in remote Australia, emphasising the logistical challenges and the importance of community involvement in healthcare decisions.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Annabelle's Charity of Choice to Sponsor a Rural Generalist Doctor to attend the RMA conference:

Rural Medicine Australia (RMA)
Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) is the peak national event for rural and remote doctors of Australia. Hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), RMA attracts a diverse and collaborative community of junior doctors, students, educators, academics, and medical practitioners who are passionate about generalist medicine in rural and remote communities.

Visit https://rma.acrrm.org.au/ for more information.

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Today, we get to sit down with physiotherapist Judy Chesney who's rich background in anatomy, extensive private practice experience, volunteer work in East Timor, and specialized training in pediatrics, is a powerful testament to the versatility and dedication required to be a rural generalist physio.

Judy shifted from private practice to locum travel work in 2021. Her adventurous spirit has taken her to diverse rural locations like Mildura, Mount Isa, and Thursday Island, where she has made significant contributions to public health.

For graduate physiotherapists contemplating rural generalist roles, Judy shares invaluable advice, underscoring the "fake it till you make it" approach and the importance of leveraging available resources and networks. She opens up about her journey from managing limited supplies to engaging deeply with community priorities, showing how adaptability and genuine care can lead to impactful health outcomes.

We also dive into the complexities of working in remote and Indigenous communities, highlighting the scarcity of resources and the necessity for healthcare professionals to improvise and advocate for their patients' needs. Judy’s insights on the importance of community engagement offer a blueprint for achieving long-term positive changes.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Judy's Charity of Choice:

St George Tri Club
St George Tri Club is an affiliated triathlon club with Triathlon Queensland and we welcome all abilities to our club. It's the best place to start if you want to try a triathlon or just want to get fit and exercise with like minded people.
Our club is all about having fun and encouraging each other to enjoy getting fit and staying healthy together. ​Visit http://www.battleonthebalonne.com/ for more information.

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Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Listen in to this episode as dedicated remote and emergency nurse, David Maxwell shares the power of cultural understanding in remote nursing. He shares poignant stories about patient vulnerability, emphasising support and clear communication as well as empathy in the role of male healthcare professionals in community.

Since 2018, David has been on an inspiring journey serving rural and remote communities, focusing on primary health care and chronic disease management. His path to nursing is as unique as it is motivating, having transitioned from the world of hospitality in England to healthcare in Australia, all sparked by a life-altering conversation with a rugby teammate.

David demonstrates that nursing isn't just about clinical skills in communities like Wilcannia and Bamaga but about empathy and cultural sensitivity. Hear his practical insights on building trust with patients by respecting their cultural norms and giving them choices in their care.

Additionally, we delve into his personal initiative, Planet Prostate, and the significance of open conversations about men’s health. This episode is packed with heartwarming stories, practical advice, and inspiring initiatives that highlight the power of compassion and community in healthcare.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about David's Charity of Choice:

COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health)
COUCH is a community focused charity with a mission to improve health care services for Cairns and Far North Queensland residents diagnosed with cancer.

Established as an action group in September 2006 by founders Charles and Pip Woodward, COUCH was inspired by Cairns resident Liz Plummer and her inspiring fight for better oncology services in Far North Queensland.

The COUCH board and volunteers have been dedicated to that original vision of addressing the imbalance of services and support for people with cancer - and their families - in Far North Queensland compared to those in larger, metropolitan cities.

The lack of oncology and cancer support services has caused unnecessary pain and suffering, with Far North Queensland residents often forced to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.

Visit https://www.mbansw.org.auhttps://couch.org.au/charity/donations for more information.

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Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Dr Sonia Henry's book "Put Your Feet in the Dirt, Girl," lit a flame for the creation of this podcast. The desire to get to know more about this woman's life was top on our list. And that we did!

We sit down with this physiotherapist turned rural GP to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic redirected her life path from the hustle and bustle of city life for more meaning and connection in remote healthcare.

She was astounded by the breathtaking yet under-served regions of the Kimberleys and Northern New South Wales. Through her stories, Sonia reveals the stark disparities in healthcare access and systemic issues plaguing remote Indigenous communities.

We discuss the meaningful patient interactions that make GP work so unique, her passion for writing, and the balancing act of becoming a published author while practicing medicine full-time.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into doctor wellbeing, particularly in rural settings. Sonia discusses the sense of community and connectedness often found in remote areas, in contrast to the isolation of urban environments.

Her heartfelt anecdotes shed light on the critical need for systemic changes to support healthcare professionals better.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Sonia's Charity of Choice:

MBA NSW (Medical Benevolent Association of NSW)
The Medical Benevolent Association of NSW-ACT (MBA NSW-ACT) is a registered ACNC charity run by Doctors for Doctors and their families. We provide counselling, case management referral and short-term financial assistance through times of crisis, illness, accident, mental health conditions, grief and loss of income to help doctors in NSW and ACT to recover and return to well-being and independence. We also run preventative workshops and peer support programs as well as actively advocating to improve the systems and workplaces that doctors work in. Visit https://www.mbansw.org.au for more information.

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Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Imagine balancing a thriving dental career while exploring the natural wonders of Western Australia and homeschooling your kids on the road...

In this episode of "It Takes Heart," we sit down with Ellen Rogers, a dedicated dentist currently working with Cornerstone in Geraldton. Ellen speaks about her life pivot to locum dentistry after a severe foot injury during pandemic lockdowns, reigniting her passion for her profession.

Ellen dives into the unique contributions of neurodivergent professionals in dentistry and the critical role of locum dentists in regional areas. She challenges stereotypes, showing how locum roles can drive tremendous growth and quality care in rural communities.

And then comes the adventures of her transformed home-life with her partner stepping into the stay-at-home dad where the couple crafted interactive curriculum that made education exciting and adaptable across six states and covering 10,000 kilometers!

Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring episode that underscores the value of dedication, adaptability, and community in healthcare.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Ellen's Charity of Choice:

ADA Dental Health Foundation
The Foundation's mandate is to improve the dental health of Australians who cannot easily access or afford dental care. The team around Australia coordinates the delivery of pro bono dental treatment to disadvantaged members of the community. Visit https://adadhf.org.au for more information.

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

In this episode, we sit down with the married RN duo, Helen and Nigel Naylor, whose careers have spanned Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Middle East.

Explore the complexities and nuances of providing healthcare in remote areas through Helen's firsthand experiences in Kalbarri. With no on-site doctors, healthcare providers must step up with high autonomy and adaptability.

Hear about the intricacies of healthcare leadership and the pressures of adapting to new environments on short-term contracts.

Helen and Nigel discuss the personal motivations that drive them, such as staying connected with family, and share unique experiences of living in Australia, including encounters with local wildlife and the necessity of a snake policy.

They conclude with heartwarming anecdotes about the supportive, family-like atmosphere among agency nurses and offer invaluable advice for those considering a move to Australia.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Helen and Nigel's Charity of Choice:

The Western Australian Nurses Memorial Charitable Trust
The Trust awards grants for use by nurses and midwives to advance health care through education, research, practice and management in all health arenas in Western Australia. Visit www.wanursestrust.com.au for more information.

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

CW//Mental Health Issues
We are excited to bring you this inspiring story, but with that, comes the guests truthful account of his mental health challenges and paralysing depression. If you feel you could be triggered by this content, you may want to skip this episode.

Today's guest is an incredible human.
As OAM and Queensland Australian of the Year, Dr Dinesh Palipana is a living demonstration of breaking down society barriers, particularly in the world of medicine. He was the first medical intern in Queensland with quadriplegia. He has reshaped the potential for not only graduating from medical school with a disability, but working as an emergency doctor.
Born in Sri Lanka in 1984, civil war, corruption and poverty shaped his early years and were the lens through which he encounters some of the biggest events in his life.
On the Brisbane motorway in 2010, when Dinesh was in medical school, his car spun out of control and he watched himself and his life literally being turned upside down. His medical training halted in that instant and he would spend the years that followed recovering as a patient with a spinal cord injury.
Today, Dinesh is a lawyer, a founding member of Doctors with Disabilities Australia. He's completed a clerkship at Harvard University. He's a senior lecturer at Griffith University and a spinal cord injury researcher. He currently also works in the emergency department at Gold Coast University Hospital. He is a senior advisor to the Disability Royal Commission and an ambassador to the Human Rights Commission's Includability Program.


Dr. Palipana opens up about his battle with depression, a struggle that began long before his spinal cord injury. Drawing inspiration from icons like Stephen Hawking and Christopher Reeve, Dr. Palipana's narrative underscores the importance of mental resilience and gratitude.

He recounts his transformation from feeling paralyzed by depression to celebrating life's simple pleasures and remarkable milestones, including writing his first book "Stronger" that's being adapted into a TV series.

As we discuss the evolving landscape of the healthcare system, Dr. Palipana's insights inspire us to champion inclusivity and empathy in medicine.

This episode promises to leave you motivated to support and empower diversity, challenging societal perceptions and inspiring future generations to break barriers.

Tune in for a truly inspiring conversation that celebrates the spirit of community care and transformation.

This episode of It Takes Heart has CEO of cmr Sam Miklos hosting alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

More about Dinesh's Charity of Choice:

Titans Together The charitable arm of the club, Titans Together, endeavours to be a community focused, commercially motivated organisation that is driven to make a difference in people’s lives. Titans Together actively support local schools, clubs, charities and community organisations through our programs, appearances and donations. All donations to Titans Together are used to drive a range of community projects across Indigenous education, inclusion projects like LEAGUEABILITY, as well as development, participation and high-performance football programs. Visit www.titans.com.au for

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Follow @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment on Instagram, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.