There are many opportunities for ANU medical students to complete part of their training rurally at all stages of their degree. All medical students participate in rural week in first year. Students interested in becoming a rural doctor can apply for the rural stream and will be selected via a competitive recruitment process at the end of first year.

Students identified as ‘rural streamers’ complete a significant part of their training in a rural setting. The rural stream is an intensive clinical program, including after hour commitments, during which local academic supervisors will closely monitor the students’ study program and facilitate learning. The rural stream encourages students to get involved in the local community and experience the diversity of rural medical practice. The Rural Clinical School offers support and expertise from regional academics, hospitals and practices to deliver this program across six (6) locations in SE NSW.

The rural program

Rural stream

Year 1 - Rural week

All students take part in rural week during the first semester where they are immersed in a rural setting.

Year 2 - Clinical skills training

50% of their clinical skills training at Queanbeyan Hospital

Year 3 - Regional placements

• 40 week placement in ANU regional nodes - Eurobodalla, Bega, Cooma, Cowra, Goulburn, Young
• Consolidated week-long teaching blocks with fellow rural node students
• 6 week NT placement opportunity ( selective process available to all students)

Year 4 - Regional placements

Rural electives are available in Acute Care and Senior Medicine and Surgery at Bega and Goulburn, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at all rural campuses and Pscyhiatry and Addiction Medicine in Goulburn. 

General stream

Year 1 - Rural week

All students take part in rural week during the first semester where they are immersed in a rural setting.

Year 2 - Rural week

All students will experience another week in a rural location around NSW

Year 3 - Regional placements

• 34 week ACT placement and 6 week placement at ANU rural node.
• 6 week NT placement opportunity ( selective process available to all students).

Year 4 - Regional placements

Rural electives are available in Acute Care and Senior Medicine and Surgery at Bega and Goulburn, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at all rural campuses and Pscyhiatry and Addiction Medicine in Goulburn.