A Northam based paramedic is calling out for health professionals to apply for a scholarship that has allowed him to go back to study a masters in his field of passion.
Paramedic Simon Menz from Clackline has received a scholarship to pursue a Masters in Specialist Paramedic Practice under a round of the Health Workforce Scholarship program.
This year there is more than $1 million available for health professionals looking to broaden the range of health services they can provide to rural communities.
Mr Menz said the scholarship will allow him to expand his knowledge and pass it on to others.
“I work in both Perth and at the Northam sub-centre of St John Ambulance, and am quite often involved in training volunteer staff based in Northam,” he said.
“Studying a Master of Specialist Paramedic Practice will improve my ability to train others.
“I am commonly asked why certain patients are managed in particular ways; this further training will enable me to understand more about the reasons behind clinical decisions and treatments, which I can pass along to others.
“I believe this study will have a flow-on effect to all of the patients who may be cared for by the St John Ambulance team in Northam.”
Applications for scholarships and bursaries will open on 26 September and close on 23 October 2018.
Rural Health West general manager Kelli Porter said the investment which was made through the Australian Government Department of Health’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program is designed to expand the range of health services people can access in their local community.
“We believe that everyone, everywhere is entitled to good healthcare. This program is about investing in the health professionals who are already doing a great job locally, by providing financial support for them to extend their skills,” she said.
Interested rural medical and health professionals can find out more about the Health Workforce Scholarship Program at www.ruralhealthwest.com.au/hwsp.
