Dietitian Neha Bhatia knew moving to Queensland’s outback would be a big step.

But it’s one the accredited practising dietitian has taken in her stride.

Originally from New Delhi, India, Neha took a position in the small town of Charleville, which has a population of just 3500 people set in the heart of rural and remote south west Queensland, after graduating from university more than a year ago.

“As an international person I was always fascinated about working with the Indigenous Australians to help educate them about food and its relation with disease,” she said.

“During my university years I learned that there is a great need for qualified health professionals in the remote parts of Australia as more and more people were diagnosed with chronic diseases in the outback.

“This made me move…so that I can give my services to the ones in need and also learn as I experience.”

As the manager of clinical services and as a dietitian for the south west region with RHealth’s GP Division, Neha’s role involves day to day dietetics counselling for patients and she also visits the outreach areas to provide clinical services, occasionally taking to the air with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

She also plans nutrition education events and activities for people living in the region and manages a team of allied health practitioners.

Neha said she has no plans to move - she loves the outback and its lifestyle, while she believes working in rural and remote Australia has bolstered her skills.

“Most of all I love the people in the rural and remote areas as they are very honest and kind to all the health professionals,” she said.

“The lifestyle is great. It is far from the city rat race and has a strong community bond.

“In my opinion everyone should experience the rural-remote as it can be (a) major life changing experience. I have learned to be more tolerant with my practice.”

Neha said there is still a lot of work to be done to help close the gap for Indigenous Australians.

“The biggest challenge is to get clinicians and health professionals working in the remote areas,” she said.