Flinders University recently welcomed representatives from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) for a four-day visit focused on rural health education, clinical training, and strengthening connections between rural health communities.
The visit brought together educators, clinicians, students and staff across Flinders University, regional hospitals and rural campuses to share ideas and explore approaches to preparing the next generation of health professionals.
Leading the group was Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, Dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences at UPNG, joined by colleagues from school. The group was hosted by Dr David Mills — a Flinders alumnus, GP, student educator and supervisor in Naracoorte, and lecturer with the Department of Rural and Generalist Medicine at UPNG and joined by Associate Professor James Padley, Program Lead for the Flinders SA Rural Medical Program (SARM).
The visit commenced at Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health at Bedford Park, where the visitors heard from Dr Peter Michelmore and Professor Lambert Schuwirth about how Flinders students are supported through innovative learning experiences and prepared for future careers in health.
The group then travelled to Mount Barker Hospital for a tour and meet with clinicians and educators, gaining insight into rural clinical training environments and the important role regional health services play in educating students.
They also received information about the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
In the Riverland, they visited Waikerie Hospital and Medical Clinic, met with Professor Paul Worley, Executive Director of Clinical Innovation at the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, and Dr Ken Wanguhu, Waikerie GP educator and supervisor. Approaches to clinical teaching were explored and shared, including parallel consulting with Flinders medical students during their longitudinal rural placements.
While in Waikerie, the group also joined the Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) Grand Round — an interactive online clinical education session connecting rural health professionals across South Australia.
The visit continued in Renmark, where UPNG representatives toured the anatomy facilities which included a demonstration of the anatomage table, and met with staff and students from the SARM Program.
The final stop was Mount Gambier, where the visitors toured campus facilities and met with Acting Dean Rural and Remote Health, Professor Claire Drummond, along with lecturers, staff and students.
From Renmark to Mount Gambier, students and educators shared their experiences of choosing rural study and careers, highlighting the benefits of smaller cohorts, support, strong community connections and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in regional and remote communities.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen international partnerships and continue building shared approaches to rural health education and workforce development.