Third-year medical student Grace is on an exciting path within the MD Rural Stream (MDRS) program, a unique initiative by Flinders to introduce medical students to the benefits, challenges, and rewards of rural and regional medicine.
Grace’s academic journey is marked by a dedication to medicine, a desire to make a difference, and a commitment to learning. She began with a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences, providing a solid foundation for her current postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD). Now in her third year of the postgraduate MD program, Grace’s days are filled with consulting alongside GPs in the Barossa, assisting in surgeries, participating in childbirths, and acquiring procedural skills like suturing, all under close supervision and guidance.
“The MDRS program is a year-long rural placement that allows me hands-on experience while rotating through areas such as General Practice, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics. It’s a great way to get one-on-one learning. ”
Why Flinders? For Grace, staying close to family in Adelaide was paramount. Flinders’ unique MDRS program, coupled with its rural entry sub-quota, made it the perfect choice. She has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Flinders’ vibrant student culture and getting involved with groups like FMSS (Flinders Medical Student Society).
“Flinders has an amazing student culture, cultivated by many student societies including FMSS which I have really enjoyed being a part of.”
To prospective medical students, Grace emphasises the importance of understanding their “why” for pursuing medicine, exploring different entry pathways, and encourages prospective students to “reach out to student societies to ask questions from current students.”
One aspect that stands out in Grace’s medical education at Flinders is the transition from pre-clinical to clinical placements. This shift allows her to put her theoretical knowledge into practice, making learning more rewarding. Grace highly values the engagement of Flinders’ teaching staff, who ensure the learning experience is captivating.
“Lecturers are experts in their field and passionate about teaching students which makes the learning really engaging.”
Looking forward, Grace is keeping her career options open as she enters her fourth-year rotations. So far, General Practice and Anaesthetics have caught her interest, but the future holds exciting possibilities.
Explore your study options across Bedford Park, the Northern Territory, our rural and remote campuses, and online. Start your career in Medicine with Flinders University.