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.

My motivation for pursuing medicine as a career was profoundly shaped by my extensive experiences with the local healthcare system, particularly with mother’s diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme, her treatment and ultimately the palliative care that she received in her final days. Her diagnosis highlighted the barriers that rural communities face in accessing timely and specialised care. From travelling interstate to major tertiary centres to receive specialist care, to the long wait times in understaffed rural hospitals, I’ve witnessed first-hand the emotional and financial pressure this places on those in rural communities.

However, relocating for rural clinical training comes with significant financial strain. The Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would relieve much of the associated financial stress, allowing me to place my full attention on my studies and clinical responsibilities. Costs related to travel, accommodation, and study resources are substantial. Receiving this scholarship would help ensure I can complete my training without needing to undertake excessive paid work, allowing me to fully engage in rural practice, research and community health outreach opportunities.

Not only would this scholarship help financially, being supported by Rotary, a longstanding organisation dedicated to service, would be a privilege and motivator. Rotary’s values of service, leadership and community mirror my own, especially in their commitment to health equity. As a Rural Health Scholar, I would use the opportunity not only to grow as a future healthcare provider, but also to engage directly with Rotary initiatives in the Northern Rivers.

Ultimately, this scholarship would not only help me complete my studies, but it would also help me honour my roots, my family’s experience, and my aspiration to serve as a doctor who understands, advocates for, and works alongside her community. With Rotary’s support, I hope to continue building the foundation for a career dedicated to rural health.