Medical students get a taste of country life in Tumbarumba and Tumut

Two medical students are experiencing rural health and country life in Tumbarumba and Tumut this fortnight on their Bush Bursaries and Country Women's Association Scholarship placements.

Nineteen rural councils and the Country Women's Association of NSW are sponsoring medical, nursing, and midwifery students to undertake placements in country NSW towns as part of the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) commitment to growing and strengthening the rural areas health workforce.

Asher, Georgina and Dr Ike in Tumbarumba

Sydney-based medical students Asher Taccori, from The University of Notre Dame, and Georgina Cornall from The University of Sydney are completing their placement in Tumbarumba and Tumut this fortnight, funded by the Snowy Valleys Council.

Georgina Cornall is familiar with rural life, having grown up in Armidale, NSW. She says she was excited to experience rural life through the lens of a medical professional.

"I am looking forward to being immersed in the Tumbarumba and Tumut communities and experiencing both the many strengths and barriers that exist in rural health.

"I enjoy the diversity that rural life brings and I believe a career in rural health will reflect this diversity and challenge me," said Georgina.

Asher Taccori is also excited to experience the country lifestyle and see how the rural health system operates.

"I've always been curious about practising rural medicine, and there's only so much you can learn from reading a pamphlet.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the local community and learning more about the skills and experiences of rural health professionals," said Asher.

While in Tumbarumba, Asher and Georgina will spend time at the Roth's Corner Medical Centre, the Tumbarumba Multi-Purpose Centre, the Tumbarumba Pharmacy and the medical centre within Mannus Correctional Centre.

RDN administers the Bush Bursaries and Country Women's Association (CWA) Scholarships, which provide selected medical, midwifery and nursing students in NSW/ACT with $1,500 each to assist with costs associated with their studies, and in turn, they spend two weeks on a rural placement in country NSW during their university holidays.

RDN's Future Workforce Manager, Chris Russell says that the Bush Bursaries provide an immersive and positive experience, showcasing a range of clinical experiences serving rural communities.

"Students experience networking and educational opportunities which foster the recipients' interest in rural medicine.

Georgina and Asher on placement in Tumbarumba

"This exposure at an early stage of their careers helps affirm that rural medicine is the path to take, and encourages them to practise rurally in the future," said Chris.

"In a recent survey* of health students, of the respondents who had an opportunity to participate in a short-term placement such as a Bush Bursaries placement, 85 per cent told us that they intended to work or train rurally in the future and this was significantly influenced by their placement."

Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in country life and experience rural medicine, spending time with local GPs and other medical specialists, visiting allied health facilities and community health services, including aged care facilities and Aboriginal Medical Services.

*Survey conducted by The National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) of their student members in July 2021, which received 514 responses.

Learn more about the Bush Bursaries and Country Women's Association Scholarship