Learning Coaches provide individualised support and coaching to assist medical students to utilise feedback to improve their learning and become competent medical professionals.
They engage with a small group of 4-8 students, commencing in their first year and continuing through to completion of their MD program. Coaching occurs during one-on-one meetings with students at various stages throughout their four-year MD program. Learning Coaches receive ongoing training and support, with opportunities to engage in a Community of Practice with other Learning Coaches.

Find out more about the Learning Coach role

On 6 December we celebrated the valuable contributions of Learning Coaches in South Australia. The afternoon was attended by incoming and experienced Learning Coaches from across the university, the hospital, and GP clinics. Several Learning Coaches based in rural South Australia also travelled to Adelaide for the event!

The event provided an opportunity to hear from several individuals as they reflected on their journey through the Learning Coach program. Amanda Cawthorne-Crosby reflected on why she decided to become a Learning Coach, Dr Felix Tan shared anecdotes of past students and their evolving reflective capacity, and Grace Mackenzie, the 2024 FMSS President, shared her reflections as an MD3 student in 2023. Learning Coaches also had the opportunity to meet Melissa Suckley, the CMPH Student Success and Wellbeing Advisor, and hear about the additional student support that is available at the university that will complement the Learning Coach role.

This professionally rewarding role is open to staff involved in the Flinders University MD course, either as academics or clinicians, with an interest in contributing to students’ learning and development. To discuss this opportunity, contact: Dr Svetlana King, MD Learning Coach Coordinator, phone 7221 8809, svetlana.king@flinders.edu.au