Last week the Wheatbelt welcomed 160 medical students from Notre Dame and Curtin University as part of an immersion program with the aim of addressing a state-wide regional doctor shortage.
Over the four days, the students were immersed themselves in rural life billeting with local families across seven Wheatbelt towns – Bruce Rock, Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Narrogin, Southern Cross and Westonia – to learn about the realities and daily challenges faced by regionally located families.
Rural Health West Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tim Shackleton said the Program was developed in an effort to shift student perceptions about rural medicine early in their studies.
“People are attracted to rural medicine as it offers a broad scope of practice, you can build lasting relationships with patients and can provide true primary care,” Mr Shackleton.
“However, here in regional Western Australia, we struggle to attract home-grown doctors and have the heaviest reliance on overseas- trained medical graduates to care for rural communities compared to other States.
“Studies show a link between early exposure to rural medicine and a willingness to practice medicine in a rural location.
“This program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rural medicine and to truly understand the challenges and needs of remotely located communities.
The immersion experience included three circuits covering the entire Wheatbelt with students remaining in their respective circuits for the duration of the Program.
They visited a number of hospitals, health services, GPs and primary schools.
Shire of Kellerberrin Chief Executive Officer, Mr Raymond Griffiths said the Shire and local families were looking forward to personally hosting the students.
“It’s vitally important to our communities that we attract new doctors to the region. We’ve got some dedicated and remarkable doctors out here; but many work alone and some are nearing retirement age,” Mr Griffiths said.
“This program is a fantastic way to showcase the benefits and trials of a rural lifestyle to medical students and we hope it will encourage many to consider a career in the Wheatbelt.”
During the four days, students will participated in a range of activities including visits to the local hospital and medical practices, holding teddy bear clinics with students at the local primary school and visiting the Rural Clinical Schools at Northam and Narrogin.
