NSW Riverina welcomes RDN Cadets for first Cadet Weekend Trip of 2025

Last week, 50 Rural Medical Cadets headed to the beautiful Riverina in south-western NSW for the first RDN Cadet Weekend Trip for 2025. The three-day Cadet Trip is designed to support rural doctors of tomorrow by bringing Cadets together for social and educational weekends away, exploring country New South Wales. This tour focused on Albury and Wagga health facilities and cultural aspects.

These journeys into the NSW hinterland serve as an important opportunity for students to see first-hand the opportunities of the region, and all were impressed by the welcoming communities they encountered, as well as the opportunity to network with current Cadets, Cadet alumni, and potential future colleagues.

“Being in my final year of med school, the decision of where to train is looming ever larger,” Charles Sturt University med student Heidi Annand told RDN ahead of the trip. “I'm super excited for the opportunity this weekend to compare and contrast not only hospitals but towns (via a vetted vibe check process of sightseeing ...,” she said. “Most of all though, I'm excited to catch up with other Cadets, both current and those now hard at work!”

The Cadets belong to the Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship and Indigenous Cadetship program, run by RDN on behalf of the NSW Ministry of Health. The program financially supports medical students who are interested in undertaking a career in rural health in NSW, and who agree to undertake the two of the first three years of their hospital training in an eligible rural NSW hospital. Rural service can be undertaken in major NSW hospitals west of the Great Dividing Range including Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill and Albury.

With the trip starting in Albury, there was no better way to take in the beautiful natural surrounds of the Riverina region than by canoeing along the weaving bends of the iconic Murray River. And would it be a medical student trip without a park run? Bright and early, Cadets gathered in the fresh morning air of the countryside to jog along the banks of the river, giving them a glimpse of what their morning routines could look like.

Albury Base Hospital welcomed Cadets for a tour of their facilities and a Q&A session with current Junior Medical Officer (JMO) Cadets, giving students the opportunity to ask the practical and burning questions about life as a junior doctor, support systems, opportunities as an intern and, importantly, the social and cultural aspects of living in a country town.

In an area described as 'always in season’, Cadets considering the move to Albury for their return of service will undoubtedly enjoy the plethora of natural offerings the region has, from water sports in the summer at the Hume Weir, to skiing at the nearby Snowy Mountains, cycling the rail trail in spring or enjoying the wine region in autumn.

Local Cadet alumni, JMOs and medical admin staff joined dinner on Friday night at Brady’s Railway Hotel in Albury and at the Riverine Club in Wagga on Saturday, giving Cadets from all stages of the program a chance to get together and enjoy local cuisine, while sharing stories and advice, and creating valuable inter-personal connections.

Cadets then headed to Wagga Wagga where they were welcomed by Wiradjuri tour guide Mark Saddler for a cultural tour.

Mark has been a welcoming support for the Cadets as they travel the region, keen to share the rich culture of his ancient country through his deep connection with the land.

“We Wiradjuri/Aboriginal people need to build a strong and trusting connection to those who are here to help us. I believe that these young doctors are those people,” Mark said after welcoming Cadets in 2024.

On Sunday, Wagga Wagga hospital also hosted Cadets for a tour and to facilitate a Q&A session with local Cadets and staff from the medical admin team.

The significance of fostering the future workforce in the early years of their careers through opportunities such as the Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship program as well as the trips and events associated with it, is no better exemplified than by the retention rate of Cadets, over 60% of whom have continued practicing rurally, following the completion of their return of service in rural areas. The program recently celebrated its 35th year with the foundation of an alumni association.

Reflecting on the journey, RDN’s Future Workforce Program Lead Eleanor Knight said these tours are an invaluable practical insight for Cadets into their future daily life, helping them navigate which country town will work best for them.

“The weekend trips take the students out of their uni campuses to immerse them in what country life has to offer. They are wonderful opportunities to gain valuable insight into what life is like in rural and regional NSW. The hands-on experience allows the students to explore different locations and helps them decide where they would like to start their medical careers, based on the best fit for their clinical and lifestyle needs."

RDN extends a warm thank you for the support of local medical administration teams and Cadets who took the time to highlight their local towns and hospital.

Related reading:

• RDN unveils alumni program to celebrate 35 years of the Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship
• RDN Cadets helping curb staff shortages, March 2024 (NBN Television)
• Indigenous Cadets Taylor Glover and Adam Wilson interviewed by ABC, March 2024 (ABC Radio Riverina)
• 1000km RDN Cadet road trip takes rural doctors of tomorrow out beyond the ranges (2024)