Community
26 August, 2026
Cheating death
AFTER a near-fatal illness which led to a promise to become a doctor, Innisfail’s Dr Jack de Guingand has been identified as an emerging leader in the medical sphere.
The rural generalist anaesthetist and emergency medicine doctor has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) emerging leaders conference in Adelaide in October.
It was when he was just a teenager that he survived a serious condition, leading to his medical career.
“When I was 14 years old, I became critically unwell with toxic shock syndrome and spent weeks in hospital,” Dr de Guingand said.
“That experience gave me a perspective that I wanted to become a doctor and help people the way I had been helped,” he said.
Born in Tasmania, raised in Melbourne and educated in Sydney and Brisbane, Dr de Guingand originally pursued elite rugby before finding his calling as a rural generalist doctor.
A chance introduction to respected rural generalist and former ACRRM president Dr Bruce Chater during his university years led to a placement in Theodore, Queensland.
“Started from the bottom now I’m here in Far North Queensland,” Dr de Guingand said.
“I came into medicine after having a fair crack at trying to play pro rugby union
“I met legend of the bush Dr Bruce Chater via his sons on the rugby field and organised to go out to Thedore to get a taste of rural generalism under his tutelage.
“Ten years later and I haven’t looked back.
“As all rural generalists do, I love the spice of life that keeps me keen. I also love the passionate and like-minded team that I work with.”
He’s now based at Innisfail Hospital.
Dr de Guingand recently stepped into the role of emergency department clinical lead at Innisfail Hospital and is helping support a strong culture of education, teamwork and training within the hospital.
He said one of his long-term goals was to help develop the future rural medical workforce.
“The Queensland rural generalist pathway played a huge role in helping me become the doctor I am today,” Dr de Guingand said.
“I’d like to return the favour by supporting future rural generalists and helping ensure rural communities continue to have access to skilled doctors.”
Dr de Guingand said the emerging leaders conference would allow him to learn from experienced rural health leaders and continue developing the skills needed to support patients, colleagues and communities across Far North Queensland.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin said Dr de Guingand’s commitment to rural medicine, education and clinical leadership made him an ideal participant in the emerging leaders conference.
“Dr de Guingand brings a strong understanding of teamwork, resilience and the importance of supporting healthcare professionals throughout their careers,” he said.
“His commitment to rural health and developing the next generation of rural generalists reflects the leadership qualities the conference aims to foster.”
Having recently become a father, Dr de Guingand said he was also keen to learn more about balancing leadership, family life and a sustainable medical career.
“I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded colleagues, learning from experienced mentors and gaining new perspectives that I can bring back to Innisfail and Far North Queensland,” he said.
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