Go Rural
Rural career experiences for university students
Rural Doctors Network (RDN) is committed to growing and supporting the future rural workforce. Our Go Rural road trips are an incredible opportunity for medical, nursing and allied health students to visit rural and remote communities and see first-hand the benefits of working rurally.
Over a four-day tour of rural and remote NSW, students will experience:
- visits to medical facilities
- community events
- guest speakers
- cultural events
Who can apply?
Go Rural is open to university students enrolled in a medical (1st or 2nd year ONLY), nursing, midwifery or allied health degree in NSW/ACT. This includes overseas students.
Up to 20 students will be selected to participate in each event.
Cost
Go Rural is funded by Rural Doctors Network and includes:
- return coach transport
- share accommodation
- most meals
- all activities/tours.
Dates and Itineraries
The first Go Rural for 2024 will be from the 2nd to the 5th of May and will head to north-western New South Wales.
The trip will start and finish at Central Station in Sydney, and visit Tamworth, Narrabri, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Dubbo and more! We have secured visits to some fantastic medical facilities, dinners with inspiring guest speakers, and opportunities for immersion in the culture and history of these regions.
For future Go Rural trips in 2024, stay tuned to this page!
Applications now open for Go Rural #1 for 2024
Applications are OPEN NOW for Go Rural #1 for 2024 heading to north-western New South Wales. Click the link below to apply:
Testimonial
Nicola Murphy, Doctor of Medicine student at the University of Notre Dame, says the Go Rural trip she took to far western NSW has shown her working rurally doesn’t mean her opportunities are limited.
“Rural communities are so willing to support health professionals, and it’s great to have the opportunity to see that as a doctor, nurse or allied health professional, you are so valued within the community,” she said.
Nicola spent her childhood years growing up on her family’s farm in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, where she says she witnessed the amazing relationships rural GPs can have with their patients.
“I realised I want to have a similar relationship with my patients one day, to guide them in tough times and support them in great times.
“My goal is to become a Rural Generalist and deliver integrated care that supports patients’ physical, mental and emotional health.”
Go Rural provides students like Nicola the opportunity to form connections not only with rural NSW communities but also with her fellow students. Nicola says these networking opportunities are extremely important.
“We are easily influenced at this stage in our careers, so being able to have these experiences as a group is really important.
“Meeting rural health professionals, viewing the facilities in rural communities and imagining ourselves there in the future, has been an excellent experience.”
Nicola Murphy, Doctor of Medicine student at the University of Notre Dame and Go Rural August 2019 participant.
Read more:
Find out more
Email students@nswrdn.com.au if you would like any help or to learn more about the exciting opportunities of a rural health career.
Subscribe below to receive updates on this scholarship or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.