Ben Thomas always knew he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Inspired by a rural role model and driven by the belief that healthcare access should be equal regardless of where you live, his studies in Medical Science at Flinders laid the foundation for his journey into Medicine, and a future focused on supporting rural Australians.
Now in his first year of the Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University, Ben is based in Renmark as part of the South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) Program and says the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
There’s a strong community feel in both the course and the region. It’s allowed me to connect with peers and the community, and I’ve developed friendships in six months far stronger than I ever anticipated.
Ben completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders before beginning his medical degree, and says this pathway gave him a solid grounding to build on. It not only equipped him with technical knowledge but also helped him develop study habits and a scientific mindset that continue to support him as the course becomes more hands-on and patient-focused.
[Studying Medical Science] prepared me well with a basis of knowledge in the medical fundamentals, so the progression to a more clinically aligned viewpoint has been interesting.
Flinders’ rural pathway was a key factor in his decision to stay on for the Doctor of Medicine.
I knew I’d get a great experience. My expectations have been exceeded. Learning in a smaller group with more hands-on experience really appealed to me. I’m hearing stories from third-year students about the kinds of experiences they’re getting in the Riverland. Stuff you’d only dream of in a metropolitan setting.
It was also the influence of family and community that inspired Ben to take up medicine.
My uncle was a rural doctor, and the overwhelming regard from his community spoke volumes to his impact. I’ve also had great support from family friends in the medical profession who’ve nurtured my interest in medicine.
As he looks ahead, Ben isn’t yet fixed on a speciality but knows rural medicine will be part of his future.
Being based in a rural setting has opened my eyes to some of the challenges I have heard and seen for rural-based Australians in terms of equity in healthcare. I am a strong believer that access to healthcare should be equal, no matter where you are based, and I have gained a huge appreciation for the amazing doctors up here who level the playing field for rural Australia.
I’ve also felt a great level of support from my peers, our teaching staff, local doctors and the community, who want us to succeed and make us feel welcome, so we can help in the regions in the future.
Explore your options to study and stay rural as part of the SA Rural Medical (SARM) Program.