Eleven medical students from across Australia are recipients of an inaugural bursary supporting immersive clinical placements of up to a full year in rural or remote communities.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) Medical Student Bursary provides each student with $1000 to make their placement more affordable and accessible. The Bursary can cover things like their fuel and travel costs, rental accommodation, clinical wear, meals, textbooks… and even childcare.

Approximately 220 medical students applied for the inaugural bursary, demonstrating strong interest in longer-term rural and remote placements and the growing popularity of careers in rural medicine.

Among the recipients is ANU medical student Phoebe Doohan, who has been awarded the bursary, and currently undertaking a placement in Gundagai, NSW.

Phoebe said, "This placement is giving me first-hand insight into the unique rewards and challenges of a career as a rural GP. I have already noticed it deepening my awareness of how social, environmental, and cultural factors influence patient outcomes, which has improved my ability to approach care holistically. 

"I have also actively engaged with the community, including joining the local show jumping club, teaching children how to ride at the Gundagai Pony Club, serving as a board member of the local aged care facility, and participating in other sports including lawn bowls and tennis. These experiences have strengthened my connection to the community."