Bringing Care Closer to Community: Indigenous Health Team and Medical Students on the Road

The School of Medicine and Psychology third year medical students got to experience community, culture and clinical skills at the inaugural Community Health Convoy hosted by the South Eastern primary health network. 

Supported by the Indigenous Health Team the students travelled to Goulburn, Moruya, and Bega in the first week of August. Despite the big days, the students were eager and happy to connect with community. 

"This was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it for future students," noted one student.

The screening health checks started some great conversations and removed some of the barriers experienced by community. For some people, it was the first time they’d had their blood pressure checked in years! 

Under the supervision of ANU clinical staff, students were able to encourage people to follow up with their regular doctor or to have a first consultation with a new GP. 

The convoy was supported by a range of services, encouraging community to learn about where they can seek help and who is available locally, meaning less trips to Sydney and Canberra just to see a specialist!

Students on placement at SMP Sydney Clinical School travelled to Goulburn for the day and had to face icy winds. Despite this, the students saw 34 participants. 

Our Canberra students on GP and Paediatric placements travelled to Moruya. Thankfully for a warm and sunny day, to even see the seals catching some sun! Students saw 35 participants, encouraging people across the event to have their health checked. 

Students reflected warmly on the impact of the initiative.

"The trip really helped me understand the difference between rural and urban healthcare, as well as the strength of local community support," shared one student.

Our final day of the convoy was at Bega, with Canberra SMP students on GP and Paediatrics placements travelling down, to be joined halfway through the day by their long-term rural Bega colleagues. This was a busy day, with students seeing 40 participants, while still managing to engage with the other services, including getting a haircut with the walkabout barber! 

“[It] Made me more comfortable examining patients from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds."

We are looking forward to the event next year, hopefully attending more locations!