A new Senior Medical Officer will join newly appointed Director of Medical Services Dr Karyn Matterson at Blackall Hospital early next year.
Dr Mikala Dales will take up her position as an SMO at Blackall the same day as Dr Matterson on 5 February.
Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Medical Services Dr David Walker said the health service had been in contact with Dr Dales since the 2022 Rural Doctors Association of Queensland forum at Gladstone.
“At the time, it was abundantly clear that Dr Dales’s enthusiasm, approachability and diligence would be an ideal organisation fit for the Blackall and Tambo communities,’’ he said.
“Dr Dales is a Rural Generalist Trainee who has an Advanced Skill in Internal Medicine and graduated from James Cook University in 2019.
“Born and raised on a cattle property 120 km west of Dalby, in the last few years she has also worked on her father's breeder block northwest of Longreach where she has her own herd of 100 cows and calves.
“Dr Dales is astutely aware of the challenges and triumphs of rural medicine.
“She is passionate about the provision of excellent healthcare to people living in rural communities and has already purchased a house in Blackall and made several visits to the community in preparation for her move.
“I am sure the Blackall and Tambo communities will join me in welcoming Dr Dales to the region.’’