Rural immersion experiences bring future health professionals to rural NSW

The NSW Rural Doctors Network’s Go Rural road trips are a fantastic opportunity for students studying health to experience a taste of rural life. For Occupational Therapy students Kiyan and Jacinta, their time on Go Rural was integral in their decision to work rurally in the future.

New graduate Occupational Therapist (OT) Kiyan recently found her dream role with Marathon Health in Bathurst. Originally from outside Wollongong, Kiyan says the experiences she had on the Go Rural road trip opened her eyes to the need in rural areas.

“They say that one-year experience working rurally would be equal to around two years in the city, because instead of specialising in one area straight away – you’re often the only OT in rural community and have to work with variety of clients,” said Kiyan.

Kiyan and Jacinta toured Western NSW on a four-day road trip, connecting with local specialists and learning more about rural health services and the benefits of a country lifestyle.

“The specialists all spoke with such passion about the need for health professionals to move rurally – they were all so dedicated and the need is clearly there,” said Jacinta.

“The Go Rural road trip was integral to my decision to work in rural health, it was a real turning point – I don’t think I’d be here without it,” said Kiyan.