KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
When Emily Boegheim attended Health Workforce Queensland’s (HWQ) Allied Health Student Careers Expo last year, she didn’t realise it would help shape her future.
Fresh from a rural placement in Charleville, she was already curious about what a career in rural health might look like. The Expo became the perfect place to explore that interest further. "Even just discovering there was an organisation focused on rural healthcare employment was really exciting."
Opening doors to opportunity
Walking into the Expo, Emily was struck by the breadth of opportunities on offer, with employers and organisations representing communities right across remote and rural Queensland, including regions she was already passionate about.
While she hadn’t originally planned to work in private practice, the event gave her the chance to speak directly with employers, meet new graduates, and ask honest questions about transitioning to rural life.
Being able to hear from new grads about how supported they felt was one of the most valuable parts of the day.
The connections she made didn’t end when the Expo did. Inspired by what she’d learned, Emily explored roles through HWQ’s New Graduate webpage, leading her to discover an opportunity with Hope Therapy in Warwick.
After connecting with the Hope Therapy team and visiting the community, Emily knew the role aligned with both her professional goals and personal values. "Their passion for the community was exactly what I was looking for, and I could see the support would be there in my first year out." Emily successfully secured the role and began her career as a physiotherapist in Warwick.
Support beyond the Expo
Emily’s journey with HWQ didn’t stop at finding a job.
After accepting her position, she received relocation support, helping ease the transition after a year of unpaid placements. She’s also accessing professional development funding through HWQ’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program, supporting her continued growth in a regional setting.
The relocation funding made a huge difference, and the PD support will be just as valuable, especially with the added challenges of accessing training from regional areas.
Moving to a new town came with its challenges, but Emily quickly found a sense of belonging. "I’ve felt so well supported and welcomed; it’s quickly become home."
She describes rural practice as both rewarding and diverse, from building strong community connections to working across a wide scope of care.
Advice for future students
For students considering a similar path, Emily’s message is simple:
Go for it. Even beyond the experience and perspective it gives you as a clinician, you learn so much more about yourself and what you are capable of.
She encourages students to try a rural placement if they’re unsure, and to prioritise supportive workplaces with strong mentoring in their early careers. "It’s a big learning curve, but I feel it is well worth it."
With her sights set on going even more rural in future, Emily is excited about the possibilities ahead. "I have no idea where I’ll end up, but that’s part of the excitement.”
If you are a third or fourth-year university allied health student, join us at this year’s HWQ Allied Health Student Careers Expo in Brisbane, 21 August.
