Member Spotlight: Bob De Soto, New Individual Membership

Hi everyone,

I’m Bob De Soto, a PGY6 Rural Hospital Medicine registrar currently based at Te Nikau Hospital in Greymouth. I grew up in Coromandel Town and have spent most of my training in smaller centres, including Northland, Coromandel as a GP registrar, and a stint in Tasmania. My background includes a degree in psychology and a diploma in paediatrics, which mostly helps me understand toddlers and stressed adults — often at the same time. I have an interest in minor surgical procedures and enjoy the practical, hands-on side of rural medicine.

I joined the Network because rural health is where I feel most at home. I like the scope, the teamwork, and the fact that any given shift can involve a bit of everything. One of the biggest challenges I see is workforce pressure and the need to constantly adapt, but that flexibility is also what makes rural practice so rewarding. You learn to think on your feet, improvise when needed, and appreciate the value of a good team.

If there’s one thing I’d say to others, it’s that rural medicine is incredible if you enjoy variety, autonomy, and strong community connections. It’s busy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic — but rarely boring. I’m always happy to connect with others interested in procedural skills, rural career pathways, or swapping survival tips from the front line.

Thanks for the warm welcome — I’m looking forward to being part of the Network.