Interviews for the 2024 MD student intake are in progress including interviewing candidates for the MD Rural Stream (MDRS). A number of rural academic, clinical, professional and community members have participated in the selection, many commenting on the positives of being involved in the process.
Meanwhile, MDRS Year 3 students have been busy preparing for the end of year assessments while also making the most of clinical learning in their respective rural sites.
Last week Rural and Remote Health travelled to Port Augusta to be part of the brilliantly organised Education Pathways Team’s roadshow at Port Augusta Secondary School. The Flinders team were made welcome and participating schools included Port Augusta Secondary School, Caritas College, and Samaritan College from Whyalla. The key objectives for the event were:
- Career development
- Learning about post-school pathways
- Hearing directly from experts in their fields
- Enhancing access to university for regional students
- Study areas represented link to key industries found in the regional communities
More than 60 students rotated through the Medical Professions stations covering medical science, medicine, occupational therapy and speech pathology. Fourth year MD student Hugo Keller spoke to students about his journey to medicine, pathways, the rural sub-quota and being part of the MD Rural Stream.
Students enjoyed learning to take blood pressure, test reflexes and the opportunity to speak to a current student. They were fascinated by the torso we took along, fondly named “Gutsy Gus” and it was pleasing that six students said they were keen to study medicine. Academics from other disciplines included arts, education, law, natural sciences, sport, archaeology, engineering and psychology.
Vanessa Ryan PhD Candidate, MPHC, BM, BN
Director, Flinders University Rural Clinical School (SA)
Thanks to Elspeth Radford for sharing MRDS photos and updates