Our second year of the SA Rural Medical (SARM) Program students began their medical journey this week at Mt Gambier and Renmark with a focus on orientation, community, and preparing students for academic and clinical success.

Beginning with a Welcome to Country, and formal welcome to the SARM Program, students were soon immersed in program overviews, introductions to staff and peers and getting to know their campus.

Clinical preparation was a strong focus, with clinical skills workshops, anatomy laboratory tours, inductions, and recorded introductory lectures covering clinical skills, anatomy, histology, Team-Based Learning (TBL), and the four AMC domains.

Student wellbeing and support services are embedded throughout the program with workshops and sessions covering student support, success strategies, cultural safety, community engagement, and wellbeing resources. Learning Coach Meet & Greet sessions provided students with early academic and pastoral support connections.

On Monday, students and campus staff caught up for lunch, generously provided by Flinders Regional Training Hub and on Wednesday our new year 1’s met MD year 2 and 3 students for a casual lunch on both campuses. It was noisy, vibrant and wonderful to see the campus so full of positive energy.

The week will conclude with interactive activities such as panel Q&A sessions with Flinders Medical Student Society representatives, a local adventure quiz, and in the Riverland a social event sponsored by the Riverland Medical Student Society.