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\u201cIt\u2019s the moments that you connect with your patients when just for a moment all you think about is how you can do the best thing for your patient and help them. It\u2019s a moment of calm in the whirlwind of being a medical student.\u201d<\/p>\n
For MD Rural Stream<\/a> student Sam Sfreddo, the memory of comforting a pre-operative patient preparing for surgery is a moment that has left a lasting imprint.<\/p>\n \u201cThe patient was speaking quietly and held my hand while going under the anaesthetic and said \u2018make sure I\u2019m OK and look after me\u2019,\u201d Sam says. \u201cIt\u2019s not a glamorous story of saving a life but it\u2019s a connection.\u201d<\/p>\n Sam is part of the MDRS cohort undertaking their studies in the Greater Green Triangle region<\/a>, but Medicine<\/a> and becoming a doctor is a far cry from where his career pathway began.<\/p>\n While he enjoyed science and maths in high school and had an initial plan to study medicine, he instead found himself choosing a Bachelor of Commerce.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I was not passionate about it,\u201d Sam admits frankly. \u201cThen when I worked for corporate companies and was even less passionate, I knew I needed something with a bit of intellect to keep me interested in my career while interacting with and helping other people.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, I went back and studied medical biotechnology with the intention of getting into medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n Although not from a rural background, Sam had always wanted to live in a regional area and, after being accepted into Medicine at Flinders, applied to be part of the MD Rural Stream<\/a> after hearing about the program from previous students.<\/p>\n The MDRS provides students with an opportunity to work, learn and be part of a rural community for the third year of their course. Students experience the ability to develop and grow in skills through interesting clinical medicine in a supported learning environment.<\/p>\n In the future, Sam says he hopes to become a rural generalist and is keen to have a small farm where he can pursue his passion for sustainable and regenerative agriculture.<\/p>\n \u201cI am also extremely passionate about the future opportunities for engaging with and training young doctors in regional areas and encouraging rural students to study medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n Learn more about studying Medicine at Flinders<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWork, learn and be part of a rural community<\/h3>\n