Growing up on a farm located on the Yorke Peninsula, humble beginnings instilled resilience, ethics and kindness forming the foundation of my drive for self-improvement and community service. My passion for medicine was inspired by my local GP; now a mentor to myself in becoming a rural GP. This has defined my trajectory through medical school, undertaking my surgical rota on in Pt Augusta, and upcoming yearlong placement in Pt Pirie & Crystal. After 5 years away, I am excited to be returning rural as a part of the Rural Clinical School. Having strong connections to rural Australia, I have seen first-hand the gap in services delivered compared to our metropolitan counterparts. This has driven my passion to advocate for meaningful change in rural and Indigenous healthcare, having served as President of my rural health club for two years, a ending outreach trips, and as part of the Executive Committee for the National Rural Health Students’ Network.

The Australian Rotary Health Scholarship will play a vital role in supporting my studies at the Rural Clinical School. One of the most significant impacts of the scholarship would be financial relief. Due to the commitment to my studies, I have resigned from my employers in Adelaide and as such, will now be fully relying on government assistance. Previously, I have experienced significant financial stress impacting both my mental health and medical studies. This scholarship would assist alleviate those pressures, allowing me to focus on my studies without the burden of finding new employment in a new town
to assist with living expenses.

Secondly, the scholarship will enable me to fully integrate and immerse myself in a new rural community. Before starting medical school, I aspired to experience a full-year rural placement where I could engage deeply with a new community. The scholarship will allow me to pursue ac vi es outside of my studies, such as joining the local hockey club and community band. Participation in these ac vi es would not only enrich my personal well-being but also support my physical and mental health, helping me maintain balance during an intense academic year.

Thirdly, receiving the Rotary Scholarship would connect me with a broader community. I have seen family members thrive as part of the Rotary network, forming lifelong friendships and participating in impactful community events. I hope to experience the same sense of belonging and mentorship. Engaging with Rotary’s community would provide me with access to valuable guidance from experienced professionals, further supporting my development as a future rural health clinician.

In conclusion, the Australian Rotary Health Scholarship would have a profound positive impact on my journey toward becoming a rural GP. It would provide financial relief, enabling me to priori se my studies, participate in community service through extracurricular ac vi es, and foster meaningful connections with a network of like-minded individuals. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and, if successful, I will strive to uphold and represent the values of Rotary in all aspects of my academic and professional life.