Home Hospital offering doctors in training a unique career path

For Doctor in Training (DiT) Jack Kelly, Home Hospital was a standout rotation, so much so that he returned to the program as a registrar.

Home Hospital, a community-based service that delivers acute patient-centred care to patients in their own homes, offers doctors in training both clinical autonomy in a supportive environment and diverse learning opportunities.

Since relocating to Perth from Ireland in 2024, Jack has worked across Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) in geriatrics, acute medicine and rehabilitation.

“I first worked in the Home Hospital department as a Resident Medical Officer at the start of 2025,” said Jack.

“Treating acutely unwell patients in the community, along with the close and regular follow-up of our patients, interested me greatly.

“I enjoyed my time so much that I returned in a registrar position.”

The program offers DiTs exposure to a wide range of specialities such as emergency medicine, general medicine, orthopaedic surgery and haematology.

Working as a registrar on the Home Hospital program also requires thoughtful planning and risk assessment, allowing DiTs to be ready for any situation they come across.

“Managing patients in a home setting provides a unique challenge,” Jack said,

“I’ve developed my ability to pre-empt risks and clinical deterioration before they occur.”

Jack has also developed his communications skills and had the opportunity use digital health solutions to improve patient care as the team relies on telehealth, remote monitoring tools, and close collaboration with nursing staff to maintain continuity of care.

“We’ve begun using digital health solutions like remote blood pressure and weight monitoring to change how we track patients in the community,” said Jack.

Every day in Home Hospital, Jack works alongside FSFHG consultants specialising in general medicine, infectious diseases, geriatrics, and endocrinology, as well as vocationally trained GPs. This multidisciplinary environment fosters both independence and mentorship.

When asked whether Jack would recommend the rotation to other junior doctors, his response was undeniable:

“I would highly recommend it – it allows autonomy of clinical practice in a supported environment," said Jack.

“It’s a unique opportunity that will inform your clinical career no matter what field you choose to specialise in.”

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