EIGHTEEN second year post graduate medical students from Australian National University (ANU) and nine second year post graduate allied health students from University of Canberra (UC) had a fantastic and eye-opening experience this week as they visited Young to gain insight into practicing in rural and regional areas.

During the week, they have conducted remote learning through the ANU Rural Medical School here in Young, attended a plasters clinic at the local hospital, inspected facilities and learnt from doctors and professionals at the Harden and Young Hospitals as well as the Mercy Care centre and local General Practitioners.

Associate Professor Amanda Barnard who runs the ANU rural clinical program says the week was a great success as always.

“The students love to come and get involved in Rural week each year,” Prof Barnard said.

“Young in particular is very popular on the list of destinations though the students don’t actually get a choice in second year.

“We always have a large amount of regional content in our syllabus as we recognize that not only is there a shortage of medical practitioners in regional areas, but there are wonderful and rewarding opportunities out here as well.”

The ANU course includes one week in rural schools in first and second year as well as at least one six weeks clinical rotation in third year.

At least two students actually spend the entire year here at the ANU Rural Clinical School in Young learning by satellite linkup and gaining hands on experience with local doctors and the hospital.

“This year was especially interesting as we have begun to bring UC students into the program, recognizing it is just not doctors that are in short supply in the country,” Prof Barnard said.

“There are great benefits to all the students from this inter-professional learning that they get through sharing knowledge and health aims with each other at this early stage.

“We find that if students start working together with other health professionals at an early age and properly understand their scope of expertise, they will be better able to integrate a patient’s whole treatment and better able to make the proper referrals needed,” Prof Barnard added.

“The students got a lot out of these activities this year and several have already expressed some interest in choosing to spend next year at the school here in Young.

“I know the students have spoken quite a bit to Luke and Judith, this year’s Young students, who have enjoyed their time here immensely.”