Flinders University staff and students connected with hundreds of high school students at this year’s Street Smart High event, helping spark interest in future careers in healthcare.

Held on 26 March, the annual Street Smart High focuses on road safety education and reducing trauma across the Territory. Alongside this important message, Flinders University hosted an interactive stall to showcase study pathways in medicine, paramedicine and other health programs in the Northern Territory.

Throughout the day, teaching staff spoke with students about entry pathways and what it takes to study healthcare locally. “We wanted to show students that a career in health is achievable right here in the NT,” Dr Nige Gray said.

Current medical and paramedicine students played a key role in bringing the experience to life. They demonstrated medical equipment including stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors, and walked students through real-world scenarios. “It’s a great way to show what we actually do,” first-year medical student Balaji Srikrishna said. “It makes it feel real and possible.”

Students also shared their own journeys into study, offering honest insights into starting out and building confidence. “I attended the event as a high school student in 2023, so I know hearing from someone close to your age makes a big difference,” first-year paramedicine student Jay Barnes noted.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage young Territorians early, build awareness of local study options and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.