At 47, I’m retraining to be a doctor 2,000km from home. The challenge is immense

‘As I developed friendships and connections in the Kimberley, I was increasingly able to tell stories of the people who pushed back and overcame the terrible history of colonialism, racism and trauma.’ Photograph: From Miles Away/Tourism Western Australia

Aged 47 and with an established career in northern Australia, I gave up my lifestyle and financial security and moved with my family to a small townhouse in the city to become a doctor who can connect with, understand and heal a community reeling from the terrible history of colonialism, racism and trauma.

I did it because I wanted a new career that would draw on all that I have learned in half a lifetime, and allow me to contribute to my community in the best way I know how. I’m just six months into my four-year graduate medicine degree and it’s already the biggest challenge of my life.