Rural Hero Esther

In the Adelaide Rural Clinical School (The University of Adelaide) Report 2022, there was an article titled, “Our rural heroes”. This was a beautiful article celebrating the men and women who had and/or are having a profound impact on rural medicine.

It is a known fact that not many young doctors and medical students prefer rural medicine as it lacks some of the perks of practicing medicine in the city. However, our beloved Esther enthusiastically pursued rural medicine because she wanted to make herself available where the needs are the greatest. She loved God and loved her ‘neighbours’ and was always willing to make sacrificial decisions out of that love. Within the short time she served in Port Augusta, she left a lasting impact on many there.

We thank Adelaide Rural Clinical School (ARCS) for acknowledging Esther’s contributions and values. We are especially thankful for the way ARCS acknowledged the role of Esther’s christian faith in making Esther who she was. Here is what the article said:

“Esther came to Port Augusta as a Year 5 student in 2020 bringing her intellect, her vivacious personality, her faith and an enthusiasm for rural medicine. She was a valued team member for the students based in Port Augusta. Kerry Steer (ARCS Port Augusta Student Support Coordinator) and Dr Amanda Bethell (port Augusta Site Academic) were very fond of her. Her student group remember her as a keen student and genuine friend. It was wonderful to see her back in the region as a Year 6 student in 2021 and this is when she consolidated friendships with the local doctors. Sadly, during her intern surgical rotation in Port Augusta earlier this year, Esther was killed in a motor vehicle accident. Such a sad loss for her family, her friends and her rural colleagues.

These and her genuine concern for others were manifestations of her Christian faith. We all hold her in high esteem and dear to our hearts.

Adelaide Rural Clinical School (University of Adelaide) Report 2022

Port Augusta doctors who supervised Esther, particularly Dr Toni Lian-Lloyd, were impressed by her medical knowledge and developing adaptive expertise; – So important for rural medicine. Esther frequently took younger students under her wing, supporting them clinically and ensuring they explored the beautiful surrounds. She was a wonderful advocate for the region. Despite her short time as a doctor, she showed herself to have strong professional motivation, courage to take on medical care in rural places and sincere commitment to her ethical principles. These and her genuine concern for others were manifestations of her Christian faith. We all hold her in high esteem and dear to our hearts.

Vale Dr Esther Chong.”