Indigenous Cadet Shay-Lee Coulson's driving force to "increase the likelihood of a First Nations patient presenting to a First Nations doctor"

RDN, on behalf of the NSW Ministry of Health, offers Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetships for Indigenous Medical Students interested in undertaking a medical career in rural NSW.

Shay-Lee Coulson is a first year Cadet and shares her experience about how the Cadetship has not only been great for her, but also her family, and why she would especially encourage medical students with young families to consider applying.

When you first speak to RDN Cadet and the inaugural winner of the National Rural and Remote Health Awards’ Rising Star category, Shay-Lee Coulson, it’s hard not to walk away completely in awe of what she’s been able to achieve personally and professionally.

As the current Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association’s Medical Student of the Year, Shay-Lee is in her third year of medicine at the University of New England, Armidale. She already has degrees in biology, Indigenous Health, and Public Health under her belt and explains that her driving force to be a doctor is simple.

“It’s to increase the likelihood of a First Nations patient presenting to a First Nations doctor,” Shay-Lee said.

Shay-Lee is a proud Goojinburra woman of the Bundjalung nation who grew up on the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed. With her family originating in Fingal, Shay-Lee had a childhood “…always around the water, at the beach or climbing trees.”

“Believe it or not, many areas were still wild and unpopulated… nothing like it is now,” Shay-Lee said.

With generations of nurses in the family, Shay-Lee describes how her grandmother’s sister (both nurses) wanted to be a doctor but wasn’t allowed.

“The story goes she would sit the exams anyway to prove she could- and ace them too!”

Shay-Lee’s daughter is also a nurse and is now studying medicine too.

“I could have never imagined that when I had her at 19. I am so proud of her” Shay-Lee said.

On top of full-time study and being a mum of five, Shay-Lee is currently working towards her goal of becoming an opthalmologist with honorary research positions at the Centre of Eye Research Australia, the Victorian Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, as well as working with Darak as a trainer and researcher and has a role at the Manna Institute as a First Nations Representative.

Shay-Lee says that while her short-term goal is to graduate and that she is “keen on Ophthalmology”, her longer-term goal is to simply keep an open mind and see what pops up.

“My guiding stars are one, First Nations always and two, working in spaces where work is needed.”

Shay-Lee explained that she first heard about RDN’s Cadetship program when she saw it advertised and had heard about the programme over the years.

“The most resounding feedback was how well the cadets were supported in practical ways for the duration of the cadetship,” Shay-Lee said.

“What appealed to me the most were the other cadets; the like-mindedness and community that is fostered by RDN.

“I have been a cadet for only one semester, however during this time I have met some amazing people. RDN supported one of my children and my husband to attend the Rural Health Month Conference last year at Coogee Beach.  We had a great time (and perfect after exams).”

Shay-Lee said she was aware of some misconceptions from other medical students about ‘going rural’, but said “I have seen students concerned about being placed in rural areas and (using my bad maths), 95% end up loving it!”

“The biggest shift in perception is the access to hands-on opportunities, and senior staff that are available and approachable. These are strong, welcoming communities.”

Asked if she would recommend a Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetships for Indigenous Medical Students, the answer was a resounding yes.

“I recommend the cadetship especially to students with children. Families of students are included early on, welcomed into the cohort to meet other families, and make new friends. My youngest can’t wait to go back to the student conference at the end of the year see his new friends (children of the other cadets).

“The Cadetship is pretty unique. There are multiple opportunities throughout the cadetship to go and see the towns and hospitals that are on the table for PGY1.

“My experience has been completely positive. RDN is culturally responsive and strong. This is important for me and translates into a positive and relevant cadetship.”

And the biggest surprise to come from this experience? “My favourite is the genuine surprise that good coffee exists west of the Great Dividing Range,” Shay-Lee laughed.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications are NOW OPEN for RDN’s Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetships and the Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetships for Indigenous Medical Students.

RDN, on behalf of NSW Health, is offering 48 cadetships to medical students interested in undertaking a medical career in rural NSW.

Successful applicants receive:

• Up to $15,000 per year in the final two years of their medical degree and agree to undertake two of the first three years of their hospital training in an eligible rural NSW hospital in return
• A relocation grant when moving to a rural location
• Ongoing mentoring and support through RDN
• Subsidised attendance at RDN conferences and the annual RDN cadet weekend trips.
   

Applications close 9am August 5 2024.  For details on eligibility and to apply, visit the RDN website here.

Related reading: 

• Meet RDN Cadet Morgan See
• Cadet’s pursuit of medicine inspired by drive to break the poverty cycle  
• Cadet and final year medical student, Ellie Gundry tells RDN why she will never “not” be a cadet