On Monday 31 March, the SA Rural Medical Program was officially launched in Renmark with more than 100 attendees including local mayors, representatives from Riverland Mallee Coorong, SA Ambulance Service, schools, GP clinics, community members, MPH and local staff as well as the stars of the day, our students.

Professor Claire Drummond, Rural and Remote Health Deputy Dean was MC for the event, welcomed everyone to the campus and introduced local Meru elder, Eric Cook who conducted a warm welcome to country.  Professor Jonathan Craig, MPH VPED spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor about the journey Flinders has taken to be a leader in health education and rural medical education.

Dr James McLeod, past Flinders student, Renmark GP and clinical educator spoke about his time as a medical student doing his clinical year in Renmark in 2008. Although originally from the city, his positive experience encouraged him to return with his family and take a GP position in the clinic where he spent his student year and go on to teaching GP’s of the future.

Hilary Harrison, one of the inaugural SARM Program students in Renmark, warmly shared her experience as a new rural student, “I’m thrilled to be part of the South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) Program and to be training in a rural setting from day one. I grew up on a farm just outside Nairne and, after completing a Bachelor of Podiatry, spent several years working across the Southeast and Murraylands. I’ve loved working in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region, and starting medicine through the SARM Program has been a dream come true. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges in rural healthcare and the incredible impact of dedicated health professionals. The hands-on learning, combined with the supportive, approachable, and friendly staff and students, has made this experience even more rewarding. The support from the SARM program has been invaluable, and I’m excited to build on my background in allied health and leadership to make a meaningful contribution to our region. Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuing my career here as a medical doctor.”

Following the formalities, guests had the opportunity to tour the new teaching facilities with Professor Drummond and Dr Sophie Hamilton and meet students involved in simulated activities.

With beautiful weather for the day, guests and staff enjoyed afternoon tea and an opportunity to network with the inaugural cohort of SARM Program students.