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Once enrolled, all Doctor of Medicine students have many opportunities to explore rural medicine. Not only do students learn about practicing medicine, they also experience firsthand what it is like to be immersed in a rural community.
Below are some of the opportunities available to students to gain exposure to rural medicine during their studies.
RURAL UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY (RURALUP)
The Rural Undergraduate Pathway (RuralUP) is an initiative of the School of Medicine and supports to students engage in rural medicine-related experiences.
One of the highlights of RuralUP is a series of inter-professional simulation workshops held in a rural setting where Doctor of Medicine students work with students from other health disciplines on real life scenarios to build their clinical skills, as well as understand interdisciplinary aspects of patient care.
Students can join RuralUP using their WesternID at:
For more information about RuralUP, contact Wendy Truelove.
COURSE RELATED RURAL PLACEMENTS
Aboriginal Medical Service Placement
All students complete a four to five week placement at an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in NSW. The majority of our partner AMS are located in rural and remote areas. This placement gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in these communities and develop their skills and knowledge.
Watch the video for more information about the placements and different perspectives on the experience.
Year Four Placement
In Year 4, students commence a 12 month placement. Students can apply to do their placement at one of the two Western Sydney Rural Clinical Schools. They are located at Bathurst and Lismore.
Watch the video to hear about the experiences of students on placement at the Bathurst and Lismore Clinical Schools.
Electives
Students are also supported to do electives in rural areas and the university has many partners that students can work with.
RURAL WORK EXPERIENCE
In addition to the course requirements, students are supported to undertake extra work experience in rural medicine. The university can assist by providing contacts, supplying proof of insurance cover, providing travel advice and more.
"I had such a diversity of experiences in the three weeks that I was over there. I worked at both Kununurra and Wyndham hospitals getting to do ED, GP and go to theatres. I got to fly with doctors out to three outreach clinics in Warmun, Halls Creek and Kalumburu. I got to see firsthand the very complex social situations and factors that exist there which you cannot fully appreciate from textbooks or lectures. On top of that on weekends I was so fortunate to get to explore some of the Kimberleys and see it in all its beauty." - Student Sophie Payton, about work experience she undertook between her Third and Fourth Year.
RURAL HEALTH UNION OF WESTERN SYDNEY (RHUWS)
RHUWS is the multidisciplinary student group at Western Sydney University that connects students with rural health. Their aim is to give students a feel for what working in rural and remote communities is all about. We recommend all Doctor of Medicine students join RHUWS.
Rural Health Union of Western Sydney (RHUWS) This is the multidisciplinary student group at Western Sydney University connecting students with rural health.