Students get a taste of rural medicine

The University of Notre Dame’s first year medicine students experienced rural health for the first time when they spent four days in Narrogin as part of their studies this month.

Billet families hosted 28 students in Narrogin to enable the students to broaden their experiences in country life, which included tours of Narrogin Regional Hospital, Primary Health Care, Karinya Aged Hostel and Earl Street Surgery.

Associate Professor for Population Health at Notre Dame University Ilse O’Ferrall said the students had a terrific time during their stay.

“The students really appreciated the time and received a warm welcome from their billet families in Narrogin,” she said.

“They learnt a lot. Particular highlights were discussions with GPs and active community service.”

Ms O’Ferrall said the program celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and the accompanying staff were glad to reconnect with familiar faces around town.

She said the most important part of the program was encouraging young medical students to take up positions in the country.

“After these tours, a lot of students decide to take up placements rurally,” she said.

“Students’ eyes are opened to the country and actually being there and seeing how it is valuable can’t be found in a text book.”