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 father is a farmer on Kangaroo Island, and over the past few years, our family has faced significant financial hardship. Our property was first hit by the bushfires that devastated the island, and we are now experiencing a drought. These events have impacted my family’s livelihood and my ability to receive financial support during my studies. When I moved to Adelaide for university, I began covering all my own living expenses, including rent, food, travel back to the island, etc.

Each summer, I return home to work full-time in shearing sheds as a shearer and wool presser. The work is physically demanding but has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. The income I earn during those months helps me get through most of the academic year, but towards the end of each year my financial situation becomes very tight. The support from this scholarship would relieve a lot of that pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community involvement rather than worrying about making ends meet.

Beyond the financial support, I see great value in being connected with Rotary. The organisation’s focus on service, leadership, and community aligns closely with my own values. I would be proud to represent Rotary in the community, share my experiences, and contribute to local events during my rural placement. I feel as if this scholarship will help me relationships with leaders in rural health which will future benefit my career.

Receiving the Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would make a meaningful difference to my ability to complete my studies and continue pursuing a career in rural medicine. It would allow me to dedicate more time to my clinical learning and community involvement, rather than the financial stress that often comes with rural placements. I am passionate about returning to rural Australia as a doctor and helping to ensure that people in communities like Kangaroo Island have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

This week is my six month anniversary of living in Cowra and it has been a wonderful experience so far. I have been working so very much that I am yet to meet the generous Rotary team in Cowra yet and am hoping to make the time soon.

My typical week consists of placement on four days and one day of teaching in Young. I state with my placements at Cowra District Hospital in the emergency department, maternity, ward or with the allied health team. The other main place I am at is in the Kendal Street Medical Practice working with any of the amazing GP’s that are there. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of Cowra residents of all ages in consults and have even been recognised on one of the community boards on Facebook by a patient which was a lovely experience. I was also able to participate in the Cowra park run but unfortunately with family commitments and lots of travel with study to Young, I have been unable to attend.

The learning curve from medical theory to clinical practice has been very large but I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from so many lovely doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in Cowra. I have particularly enjoyed my time in surgery and in helping with the maternity patients. I really enjoy obstetrics and like the experience of supporting women through the trials of labour and becoming a parent. It has been a pleasure to learn from the amazing GP Obstetrician’s in Cowra, including Dr Louise Baker, Dr Davi Richmond, Dr Ariana Arulampalam and Dr Kaitlin Andrews. They have all been so kind to offer such wonderful advice and teaching during my first six months here in Cowra.

I have loved being in Cowra and the slower paced life of the country is a great experience. I particularly enjoyed attending the ANZAC Dawn service and the Harmony Day march with fete. It is so uplifiting to be a part of such a close knit community even if for a short time like this year. The patients and health issues in this area are difficult at times, and frustrating – especially with the shortage of doctors and immense strain on the health system here in Cowra. But despite these difficulties I have been enjoying the learning and becoming a part of the Cowra community. I cannot thank the Rotary cub enough for their scholarship as without it I wouldn’t have been able to fix my car when it needed repair in the start of the year. I am grateful for the financial support and hope that I can encourage future students to apply for a wonderful opportunity especially as it has helped me to focus on my study with a little less financial stress.