A match made in medicine
From university classmates to newlyweds, Robert and Gracee Orford have used their skills to make a difference in Bundaberg’s healthcare sector.
After meeting in a combined Medical Science and Nursing unit at CQUniversity’s Bundaberg campus, what began as a shared class quickly grew into a shared purpose to serve the community.
As a recent Bachelor of Nursing graduate, Gracee works at the local hospital while Robert graduated from CQU's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine). He is currently studying the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in Bundaberg as part of the Regional Medical Pathway (RMP).
A third-generation nurse, Gracee said she followed in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother who is a midwife.
“I’m a Bundy girl, born and raised. I even work in the same hospital I was born in, which feels like a full-circle moment," Gracee said.
“My decision to work in healthcare was shaped by personal experience, my faith and my desire to care for people in their lowest moments.
“Staying local allowed me to work, pay for my tuition and graduate without a HECS debt. But more importantly, it kept me connected to the community I wanted to serve.
“People who study locally are more likely to stay and work long-term. That continuity is critical in regional areas where workforce shortages can place pressure on services.
“When you train and live locally, you understand the needs of the community. That supports care that is relevant, accessible and holistic.”
Robert agreed that regional communities, like Bundaberg, benefit from locally trained health professionals.
“I’ve seen a lot of healthcare inequalities between big cities, regional hubs and smaller rural locations. I think access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and a core Australian value," Robert said.
“Training doctors in the regions helps increase the number of health professionals locally and improve access, while also instilling a passion for regional health.
“It’s more than just learning about regional and rural medicine in a book; we actually live it and are passionate about addressing it.”
Together they see their roles as complementary parts of the healthcare system.
“Healthcare is very much a team effort with many intersecting parts. If you take away any one part, the whole thing collapses,” Robert said.
“I think because of our backgrounds we both bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table.”
Their shared professional environment also allows them to better support one another through the demands of study, shift work and clinical training.
“We share a lot of common ground in our work, so it makes for lots of good conversation. But I think what makes us so strong as a couple is our shared love for God, people and each other,” Robert said.
“When things get busy, it can be easy to forget about being kind and compassionate, especially when it is part of your job. What we do well as a couple is show love, kindness and compassion."
Gracee agreed that it is reassuring to feel seen by someone who genuinely understands the pressures of the healthcare environment.
“We’ve learned a lot from each other,” Gracee said.
“In healthcare, everyone functions as part of a team. Our roles are different enough that we’re not competing, instead we bring different perspectives that broaden how we understand patient care.”
The couple hope to continue to build their careers in Bundaberg and contribute to improvements in regional healthcare.
“I would love to see a fully staffed hospital. As for the impact I hope to have, I just want my patients to leave feeling that they have been genuinely and holistically cared for,” Gracee said.
Robert said he would like to graduate and work in Bundy for a few years before going even more rural.
“I think we need more workers who are passionate about rural Queensland and supporting those communities,” Robert said.
"I hope my career will help people access good healthcare, regardless of where they live.”
Learn more about CQUniversity's health courses by visiting the Bachelor of Nursing page and Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) page.
