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Media release: 20 medical students ‘go rural’ in outback health initiative
29th May 2019
This week, 20 medical students from across NSW will travel across the state on a road trip designed to encourage future doctors and health professionals to consider the benefits and rewards of a rural health career.
The four-day ‘Go Rural’ road trip, funded by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), will incorporate practice visits, clinical activities, community events, themed dinners, cultural events and historical exhibitions in towns including Tamworth, Narrabri, Walgett, Bourke, Brewarrina and Dubbo.
Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia shows rural exposure during medical training has been associated with an increased likelihood of medical students entering rural practice after graduation1.
RDN CEO, Richard Colbran, said Go Rural provided students with a taste of how rewarding careers in rural health can be. “RDN’s Go Rural road trip gives medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students the opportunity to see for themselves, the amazing opportunities that working rurally offers, both professionally and socially,” Mr Colbran said.
“The health of our rural communities is dependent on the successful recruitment and retention of enthusiastic and dedicated health care professionals, who are an extremely valued and integral part of their local communities.
“Go Rural is one of many RDN strategies in place to develop more sustainable long-term health solutions for our remote, rural and regional towns.”
Second-year speech pathology student at the University of Newcastle, Josie McIntyre, was thrilled to be selected as one of only 20 students for Go Rural.
“I applied for Go Rural as I am from Tenterfield and have a keen interest and passion for rural areas, specifically the health sector,” Josie said.
“I believe no-one should be disadvantaged in relation to health services because of where they live. Go Rural is a great opportunity to showcase the need for rural health services to students from across all disciplines.
“I can’t wait to meet my fellow Go Rural students and be on the road with them, making connections and learning more about rural and remote health. I’m so thankful to RDN for the amazing opportunity,” she said.
Go Rural runs from Thursday 30 May – Sunday 2 June 2019. A second Go Rural trip is planned for later this year.
