Lismore RCS
The School of Medicine is a partner in the North Coast Medical Education Collaboration with the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong. The Collaboration is managed by the University Centre for Rural Health (opens in a new window).
In 2009, the School of Medicine received a grant from the Federal Department of Health & Ageing to establish two Rural Clinical Schools (RCS). These were established in Lismore and Bathurst.
The Rural Clinical Schools program is designed to encourage medical students to take up a career in rural practice by enabling them to undertake extended clinical training placements in rural locations.
The program also seeks to have a more immediate impact on the rural medical workforce by encouraging health professionals to take up rural academic positions, often through joint funding arrangements with local area health services.
Educational Experience
The delivery of the Medical Program in rural settings gives students both excellence in medical education experience as well as the benefits of a rural lifestyle to encourage graduates to return to live and practise in rural and remote Australia.
The RCS also provides an academic focus for clinicians, teachers and researchers who wish to become part of the University presence in a rural environment.
Students in rural schools complete the same curriculum as their Sydney-based classmates, within a rural context. They can expect:
- small student-teacher ratios
- easy access to clinical experience
- enhanced skills acquisition
- less commuting
- well-equipped learning & living facilities
- friendly country communities
Clinical School Facilities
Students undertake a 12 month immersive placement based at Lismore Hospital, as well as General Practices, Community Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services throughout the Northern Rivers region.
There is newly built and fitted out student accommodation proximate to the Hospital.
Students immerse themselves in rural practice and rural life, with a number having taken the opportunity to learn to surf at nearby Byron Bay.
For any enquiries please contact the Student Co-ordinators - 02 6620 7570
