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.   Receiving the Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would provide not only financial support but also encouragement to continue pursuing a long-term career in rural medicine.

Studying in a rural clinical environment is immensely rewarding, yet it also presents significant financial pressures.   Living away from family and the main university campus increases the cost of accommodation, travel, and essential study resources.   The scholarship would ease these burdens, allowing me to focus more fully on my clinical placements and academic responsibilities.   With reduced financial stress, I could dedicate more time to community health projects, volunteer work and after-hours learning opportunities, experiences that are invaluable for developing the broad skill set required of a rural doctor.

The scholarship would also support the costs associated with placement beyond Lismore, including travel to smaller surrounding communities and rural general practices.   These placements provide first-hand insight into the scope of rural generalism and the continuity of care that defines rural medicine.  Being able to undertake these experiences without financial constrain would enable me to explore diverse clinical settings and strengthen my understanding of the holistic, patient-centred approach that rural practitioners provide.

Beyond financial assistance, the Rotary network represents a connection to community of service-oriented individuals who share a strong commitment to improve the wellbeing of others.  Rotary’s values of compassion, leadership and community service align closely with my motivation for studying medicine.  Through this scholarship I hoe to engage with local Rotary members in Lismore, learn from their community initiatives, and contribute to outreach activities that promote health awareness and preventive care.

My goal to return to regional Australia as a doctor who not only provides quality clinical care but also advocates for better access and outcomes for rural populations.