Future is looking bright for students interested in rural health career

Sydney Boarding Schools' 2023 Rural Health Careers Forum

133 high school students interested in rural healthcare career opportunities joined RDN last Thursday 11 May at the Sydney Boarding Schools' 2023 Rural Health Careers Forum at Pymble Ladies College. The Forum provided students, parents and carers with a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, and learn more about pathways for medicine, nursing, midwifery, allied health, Aboriginal health and administration.

University representatives and rural workforce agencies were on hand to discuss study and career opportunities, whilst current health students, recent graduates and health professionals offered attendees a first-hand perspective of the value of going rural and what to expect.
Pymble Ladies College Year 12 student, Isabella Watson, said the evening gave her wonderful insight and only reaffirmed her decision to pursue a rural health career once she finishes school:

"I’ve been interested in medicine for quite a while and Kate Fessey of RFDS was really inspiring, going all over rural Australia, it sounds so amazing- the adventure involved and seeing the rural and remote communities and experiencing the breadth of Australia," said Isabella.

"The speakers were really friendly. Talking about the medical programs with the exhibitors, everything they said was so positive. It engages students and gives them ideas of the opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about."

Elizabeth Tyson, of Year 12 at Pymble Ladies College, also attended the forum and spoke with RDN: "I definitely want a career in health, I love the idea of helping other people. I mostly want to do physio, my mum is a physio, so I get to hear stories from her. You really get to see the improvement of people over time." On working rurally Elizabeth said, "It's something I wouldn't rule out because my dad grew up in Griffith and I can see the community needs a lot of support."

RDN Future Workforce Program Lead, Angela Kerr said, "we are very grateful once again to Pymble Ladies College for hosting this year's Boarding Schools Careers Forum. We are also thankful for the great support we have received from the universities, rural workforce agencies, our current students and recent graduates who shared their journeys in showcasing the vast opportunities available to work in rural health. We look forward to introducing more students to the rural health landscape next year!" 

Support for students

RDN supports high school and tertiary students looking to move into the rural health workforce. Watch us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook, or visit the student page of our website to keep up to date. You can also email us students@nswrdn.com.au or subscribe to our student mailing list by selecting 'Opportunities for students' here.

Pictured above are keynote speakers and panellists: (L-R) Kate Fessey, Julie Shaw, Professor Tara Mackenzie, Eleanor Knight, Kirbie Storrier, Emily Thomson, Rod Peadon and Phillipa Kensit.