Dr Alia Vemuri left the NT once before, accepting a scholarship that could cover the cost of her textbooks and her first stethoscope.

But having studied medicine at Flinders University in SA, she decided to return home, mainly because she loved the Territorians’ generosity. But she also knew their need for specialist doctors was dire.

“It felt wonderful servicing the community that I had grown up in, a community that had invested in me during my childhood and adolescence,” Dr Vemuri tells Australian Doctor.

“It is a very beautiful place to work, and I will sincerely miss it.”