Rochelle Cabry, a third-year Doctor of Medicine student at Flinders University, has been named the 2024 Medical Student of the Year by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). This prestigious award celebrates Rochelle’s exceptional commitment to rural healthcare, leadership potential, academic excellence and community engagement.
A proud Territorian from Katherine, Rochelle’s dedication to improving healthcare access in rural, remote and First Nations communities sets her apart as a passionate emerging health professional. Throughout her medical studies, Rochelle has completed impactful placements in Northeast Arnhem Land, working with Gove District Hospital in Nhulunbuy and Miwatj Health in Galiwin’ku. These experiences, combined with her active involvement in the Northern Territory’s rural health university club and leadership as President of the Students Association for Rural and Remote Health (StARRH), highlight her dedication to her community and the health sector.
Rochelle’s award win was announced at the Rural Medicine Australia 2024 conference in Darwin this October. Here’s the full transcript of her acceptance speech:
“I’ll start by thanking my family and partner for the bottomless pit of support you give. They are the eye of the cyclone, the calm in the med school chaos. My partner Chris, my mum, and my sister Al are here tonight, and I’m so grateful for you and love you three immensely.
It’s no secret that I’m a big advocate for rural and remote health, and being an NT girl, I’m very proud to be studying medicine in the NT. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge Flinders University NTMP. Thanks to Flinders NTMP, I’ve been fortunate enough to study medicine in the NT, my home. Flinders provided me with the privilege of spending time in Northeast Arnhem Land, where Gove District Hospital and Miwatj Health generously took me under their wing. It was the incredible Rural Generalists of East Arnhem that introduced me to the magic of RG life. So, a well-deserved shout-out to my clinical supervisors for the work that you do.
I also want to acknowledge the Yolŋu people of East Arnhem, who welcomed me warmly, shared knowledge and adopted me into gurruṯu, kinship. My Yolŋu family now plays such a special role in my life and I’d like to recognise my dhuways Lipaki and Mayilil. These two strong, intelligent women generously share their stories with me and I hope to continue learning from them for a long time to come.
RMA has been inspiring; thank you to the ACRRM and RDAA for shining a light on the beauty of the Territory. My love for rural and remote health runs deep, and I can’t fit all my feelings, thoughts and thank-yous into a minute. I feel grateful, loved and proud. I’m just getting started in the medical world and I look forward to what comes next.”
Rochelle’s dedication to improving rural healthcare and her gratitude toward those who’ve supported her continue to drive her passion for the future of medicine in the Northern Territory. Congratulations, Rochelle!