This week rural SA campuses welcomed the 2024 MD Rural Stream (MDRS) cohort for orientation to kickstart their year. They all visited for a short time in first and second year to meet with educators, clinicians, support staff and the hospitals and clinics and now they are back in year three, to work and develop their clinical skills, living in a regional community and learning about rural medicine.

Students across the SA regional footprint came together online to listen to a number of presentations from Dr Michael Wozniak (Director Medical Program) and meet Vanessa Ryan (Rural Clinical School Director) and Dr Peter Michelmore (Topic Coordinator).

In Mount Gambier eager learners began their rural journey and spent some time getting to know staff and new interns, two were GGT MDRS students from 2022, and in the Riverland, students enjoyed their week at the Riverland General Hospital for orientation, getting to know each other and learning new skills.
Hills Mallee Fleurieu students spent the week at both Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge campuses and Barossa Valley students at Nuriootpa.

Across the campuses, under the tutelage of their clinical and interprofessional educators, students learnt how to glove and gown, suturing, cannulation, venepuncture, giving injections, and other skills to assist starting their clinical year.

As well as work and study, the MDRS group will become part of their adopted new communities during the year, joining community groups, sporting clubs and local adventures together.

We wish them all the best for their rural year.