Occupational therapy student Ashley Lawrence got a real taste of rural life in Finley on the Go Rural medical tour.
Finley and district made an impression on budding occupational therapist Ashley Lawrence.
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One of 20 medical students to visit the Southern Riverina at the weekend as part of a multi-stop Go Rural trip, it is where she not only learned more about rural medicine but was treated to an up-close encounter with some of the perks of rural life.
“The Go Rural trip is an opportunity of a lifetime for a student,” she said.
“Every town we visited was incredible and unique, showcasing the beauty of country life and providing information about the innovative, sometimes challenging, but most importantly, rewarding experience of healthcare delivery in rural settings.
“Everywhere we went we encountered a wonderful sense of community, generosity and kindness.
“Every person involved on the journey had an incredible story to tell and wealth of knowledge they were so willing to extend to us.
“It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Hosted and funded by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), the Go Rural trip incorporated GP practice and hospital visits, clinical activities, community events, social functions and cultural visits.
Other towns visited included Temora, Griffith, Deniliquin and Wagga Wagga over four days.
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 graduation, which is the aim of Go Rural.
The medical students were in Finley on Saturday morning.
They spent an about an hour with Dr Alam Yoosuff, and also toured the FInley Health Service.
RDN future workforce manager Chris Russell said since 2019, Go Rural has been providing students with valuable insights and experience into how rewarding a career in rural health can be.
“RDN’s Go Rural road trips give medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the amazing opportunities that working rurally offers, both professionally and socially,” Mr Russell said.
“Now more than ever the health of our rural communities is dependent on the successful recruitment and retention of enthusiastic and dedicated health care professionals who are such a valued and integral part of local communities.
“Go Rural has resulted in many students taking up a rural career and is one of RDN’s strategies and programs in place to build and develop more sustainable long-term health solutions for our remote, rural and regional towns.”
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