University students, Charlotte Leys, Caitlin Barber, and Jamie Szabo, recently completed a rewarding stay in Deniliquin as part of the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Bush Bursary program.
The students—each pursuing careers in nursing or medicine—embarked on a two-week rural immersion program, from December 2 to December 14, which offered them a unique opportunity to experience the day-to-day operations of rural healthcare services.
Charlotte, a first-year nursing student from Charles Sturt University, Jamie, a first-year medical student from the University of Wollongong, and Caitlin, a second-year medical student from the University of New England took part in work experience placements across various local medical practices, the Deniliquin Hospital, and Deniliquin Vets. The program offered them invaluable exposure to the diverse aspects of rural healthcare and the workings of local health services. Charlotte and Caitlin both noted the need for rural health care professionals to be flexible and to become multi-skilled generalists, as their day-to-day work can be incredibly varied.
"Nurses and doctors in the country need to be ready to have a go at everything…a nurses work is very diverse throughout an ordinary shift," said Charlotte.
"It's been so interesting to see the scope required of rural generalists," agreed Caitlin. "I really like the variety, and the exposure to so many different fields makes you a better doctor or nurse".
The Bush Bursary program is designed to inspire future health professionals to consider pursuing rural pathways by providing financial assistance and immersive experience.
Selected students are awarded a bursary of up to $1,500 each to help cover the costs of their stay during university holidays.
Interim CEO Gary Arnold is very proud of the initiative, "Edward River Council has coordinated this forward-thinking initiative since 2016, aiming to bridge the gap between the growing demand for rural health professionals and the need for more rural placements," he said.
In 2023-24, the Bush Bursary Program offered a record 43 placements, but with 116 applications received, it is clear that demand continues to exceed availability. The program's hands-on approach enables students to experience the appeal of country life and rural medicine firsthand, with research showing that students exposed to rural placements are more likely to pursue a rural career upon graduation.
This has certainly been the case for Charlotte, who said that the experience has been eye-opening but reaffirming, "My time here has really solidified that I want to stay rural when I graduate, and have the chance to develop so many different skills," she said.
Edward River Council's continued participation in the Bush Bursary Program contributes to the development of the next generation of rural health professionals and ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve communities in regional areas.
The Bush Bursary Program is run by the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN).
