Medical students are swapping the city for the countryside this week as a part of their education and training to become doctors.
Rural Week (26-30 August) is an annual program that places more than 120 second year medical students in rural communities to learn first-hand how healthcare is accessed and delivered across the state of Tasmania.
Students will learn about the unique health issues that affect people living rurally during their clinical placements at general practices, regional hospitals, aged care facilities, health hubs and local pharmacies.
The University of Tasmania students will learn from local government and community services about health needs and priorities.
Head of the university’s Tasmanian School of Medicine Dr Ruth Kearon said experiencing rural health is a vital part of each student’s overall training.
“Rural Week forms an integral part of the medicine curriculum as it complements what the students are already learning about rural health with practical experiences,” Dr Kearon said.
“Rural week allows our second-year clinical students to spend a week in the community learning how the health system works before moving up to year 3 of the medicine program.
“Students live and work rurally, talking to residents, health professionals and community representatives to gain a better understanding of what the everyday health issues really are.”
Dr Lizzi Shires, Rural Clinical School Director, said there are many rewarding aspects of pursuing a career in health in rural areas.
“We hope this experience inspires the students to consider a future career outside the city,” Dr Shires said.
“It is important that all future doctors understand rural health issues, so wherever they end up working, they can identify and treat rural people appropriately to improve access to health care.”
