Rural Medicine Scholarship Program

I have long held a passion for helping those who need it most. When I was 15, I attended the Mock United Nations Assembly with the Hawthorn Rotary Club and declared my personal objective “to make a difference in the world” through a medical career¹. That goal still stands true today.

I am in the early stages of my medical and research career. All my research so far has centred on women, minorities, and improving equity and access to healthcare services, particularly for those living rurally. My current research examines the barriers Indigenous women face when attempting to gain admission to medical school, with a central theme being the challenges of living rurally.

As a child, I was lucky to be taught the value of being part of a community, and can not wait to experience this again in Wallaroo next year. Growing up, I loved attending my local kindergarten, primary school and high school – all within walking distance of my childhood home – building friendships that continue to thrive to this day. In my younger years I was an avid member of my local Scouts group and helped organise charity fundraisers in my school and wider community, gaining insights into broader inequities both locally and across Australia.

For the past five years I have volunteered with an organisation that prepares and serves meals to people in need in the city, often those experiencing housing insecurity, substance use and mental health conditions.

As a fourth year medical student who has completed a year at the Lismore Rural Clinical School, I have developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and rewards of practising medicine in rural Australia.   Growing up in Armidale, NSW I have a strong understanding of the critical need for equitable healthcare in regional and remove areas, where limited resources, workforce shortages and social disadvantage often intersects.   Continuing my fifth year in the same community provides an invaluable opportunity to consolidate my clinical skills, build enduring relationships with rural patients and health professionals, and contribute meaningful to the local community.

From a young age, I was drawn to a career that combined science with meaningful service, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare.

When I was in Year 4, my father developed severe vision loss due to complications from uncontrolled diabetes, ultimately becoming completely blind in his left eye and retaining only around 20% vision in his right. I witnessed first-hand the profound impact that preventable health issues can have on a person and their family. I accompanied my parents to every appointment at Sydney Eye Hospital. This experience sparked my curiosity in medicine, which ultimately grew into a deep passion as I developed a strong interest in science throughout high school.

From the moment I was introduced to a Shetland pony at age six, I knew horses would be my lifelong passion. It sparked a dream to become a competitive showjumper, a dream that has taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of community. Now, as I pursue a path in medicine, my goal of becoming a rural doctor allows me to live all my dreams: pursuing scientific discovery, caring for people, and show-jumping.

Horse riding has directly supported my journey into medicine. It has taught me how to make quick decisions under pressure, remain calm and focused in unpredictable situations, and communicate with empathy and patience.

Growing up on Kangaroo Island has given me a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by rural communities, especially when it comes to access to healthcare. Living in a small, close-knit community has shaped my values and my determination to pursue a career in rural medicine. I have seen first-hand the importance of continuity of care, the value of community connection, and the impact that dedicated rural doctors can have on the lives of their patients. Studying at the Rural Clinical School in Port Lincoln/Ceduna is an important step towards my goal of becoming a rural generalist and giving back to communities like my own.

The Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would greatly assist me in managing the financial pressures associated with living and studying away from home.

My name is Oscar Power, and I am a medical student at ANU, entering my third year in 2026. I am part of the long-term rural program and am very excited to be living in Bega next year. Firstly, I want to thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Australian Rotary Rural Health Scholarship, and all individuals involved in the administration and management of this program. This scholarship is an incredible initiative that I know will significantly help myself or other students in several ways. I have always admired the work of the Rotary organisation and am excited about the opportunity to connect further with the community and its members.

Growing up in the Northern Rivers, in both Kyogle and Lismore, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the sense of community and the unique challenges that rural communities face.  After spending the last few years pursuing medicine away from home, the opportunity to return to my hometown as part of my clinical placements feels both timely and deeply meaningful. Having been born at Lismore Base Hospital, returning to complete my final years of medical training there is a full-circle moment, one that reflects not only my personal journey, but also my commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape me.