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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
When Dr Alberto Kalach began his medical journey training as a plastic surgeon across Mexico, the USA, and Spain, he didn’t imagine it would eventually lead him to regional Queensland. But a passion for skin cancer care, sparked by years of surgical experience and refined through a fellowship at Sydney’s prestigious Melanoma Institute, set him on a unique path. Today, as a GP based in Beaudesert, Dr Kalach combines his surgical expertise with the wide-ranging demands of rural general practice, delivering essential care to communities where it's needed most. In this interview, he shares how his overseas background shaped his journey, why Beaudesert has been the ideal place to pursue his passion, and the pivotal role Health Workforce Queensland played in making it all possible.
Dr Kalach, what drew you to specialise in skin cancer, and how has your new role in Beaudesert helped you pursue that passion?
My journey into skin cancer care began with my surgical training overseas in Mexico, the USA, and Spain, where I became a plastic surgeon and worked extensively with skin cancers. That experience drew me to Australia, where I undertook a fellowship at the prestigious Melanoma Institute in Sydney and later worked with surgeons on the Gold Coast. While I was not deemed equivalent by the College of Surgeons due to my overseas background, I recognised how vital GPs are as the gatekeepers in diagnosing and treating most skin cancers. Pursuing GP training allowed me to continue this passion, and Beaudesert has been the perfect setting to apply it. The practice has been incredibly supportive, and with Queensland’s mix of farming communities and people enjoying coastal lifestyles, the need for skin cancer care is significant. Alongside this, I have embraced the breadth of general practice, which has enriched my skills and complemented my skin cancer focus.
How has working in a regional setting like Beaudesert shaped your experience as a GP focused on skin cancer so far?
Working in a regional setting like Beaudesert has shaped my journey as both a GP and a skin cancer practitioner. While the moratorium initially directed me to a regional placement, I quickly realised the immense value of serving these communities. I see patients from surrounding towns for skin cancer treatment, and I’ve discovered that, beyond my surgical background, general practice itself has become a passion I didn’t know I had. The sense of community in regional Queensland is unique, people rely deeply on their GPs, and it’s rewarding to be able to provide that continuity of care.
You’ve mentioned previously our team's support at HWQ made all the difference, could you tell us a bit more about how the process felt from your perspective and in what ways we were able to assist?
The support from Health Workforce Queensland made a huge difference in my transition. Louise and Rachel were consistently proactive, guiding me toward GP training through the PFP (Pre Fellowship Program) pathway to secure my future as a practitioner in Australia. They listened to my concerns, were always available to answer questions, and tailored their support to both my professional goals and my family’s needs. From helping me find job opportunities to navigating pre-fellowship requirements, their encouragement gave me confidence and clarity throughout the process.
What stood out to you most about working with our team during your job search?
What stood out most about working with the team was how personalised the entire experience felt. Louise and Rachel went beyond simply matching me to roles, they took the time to understand me as a person, not just a doctor. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine interest in my journey made the process feel supportive and human, something that is rare to find in recruitment.
If you were to share one piece of advice with another doctor considering a specialised rural placement, what would it be?
My advice to other doctors considering a specialised rural placement would be simple: chase your dreams and go for it. Moving into a rural community can feel daunting, especially for someone from overseas, but it is also deeply rewarding. You not only gain valuable professional experience but also become part of a community that truly appreciates your skills. Embracing that challenge can open unexpected opportunities and passions, just as it did for me.
The photo below was taken during my second week of starting work in this practice and shows a great sense of what a FAMILY practice means, with the team celebrating my birthday. I didn't even tell them it was my birthday, but they obviously had my CV.
Pictured: Dr Alberto Kalach with the team at Doctors@Beaudesert, in his second week of working at the practice.
The team showed their family values with a birthday celebration for Alberto.
