New medicine program to inspire rural students

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Summer 6-2-2009

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The School of Medicine at The University of Notre Dame Australia's Sydney Campus has offered a number of scholarships to students from all over rural New South Wales.

High school principals were given the opportunity to select two students from their school for the inaugural Notre Dame School of Medicine Sydney Vacation Scholarship Program.

They were asked to nominate students who come from an Aboriginal or Rural background, were involved in community activities and whose personal behaviour supports the concept of social justice.

The students selected for the scholarship travelled from all over rural New South Wales and participated in the program.

The purpose of the program is to inspire Aboriginal and Rural students to consider Medicine as a future career choice.

The program consisted of a one day workshop at the School's Campus in Darlinghurst. On the day, the scholarship recipients heard talks by medical staff and students on a range of topics.

They also toured the School's facilities and participated in a number of activities such as suturing, burns management and CPR.

The Head of Rural Medical Curriculum, Associate Professor Maria Egan, said the School is very pleased to be able to offer these opportunities to students from the country.

“There is an urgent need for good doctors to work in rural areas and this is one way to sow this seed in our brightest young people.

“Research shows that students who have lived in the country are much more likely, than their urban counterparts, to return and settle in a rural area.”

The Vacation Scholarships will be offered to students from rural New South Wales each year for the next three years.

Media contact:

Moira Saunders 02 8204 4407

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