I am excited for the opportunity to apply for the Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship. I believe this Scholarship will support me during my studies at Western Sydney University’s Bathurst Clinical School.

About Me
Having completed my primary and secondary schooling in Dubbo, I witnessed the challenges that rural communities face in accessing timely and specialised healthcare. My experiences in Dubbo have inspired me to strive towards improving healthcare services and workforce expansion in rural and remote areas which is why I have chosen Bathurst Clinical School.

I currently work as a medical transcriptionist, and NDIS support worker to cover my daily living expenses and costs associated with my medical program. I attend placement at Blacktown hospital and am a proactive medical student who always seeks opportunities to contribute. During surgical rotations, I frequently assisted with the outpatient clinics late into the afternoon, enjoying the clinical aspect of investigating health concerns, physically assessing injuries, and developing management plans with my doctors. I loved connecting with patients and understanding the circumstances that brought them to the hospital. In my medical terms, I actively helped with clinical skills like cannulations, blood drawings, histories, and exams. These experiences encourage me to become an even better medical student and solidify my passion for this practice.

Beyond clinical duties, I am passionate about contributing to my community. I help to provide basic health checks at the Royal Bathurst Show, as well as the Bathurst races. During these events, I speak with attendees about their healthcare experiences, where they share insights into managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, including the symptoms they experience and how well they are managed. Many also discuss challenges related to lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and weight management. These conversations highlight real-world health issues and strengthen my commitment to serving communities like Bathurst in the future.

The scholarship would assist my studies by helping alleviate the financial pressures associated with daily living and clinical placements. I would subsequently be capable of dedicating more time and energy to my studies and clinical placements.

I am eager to participate in community health initiatives, workshops, training sessions, and conference that focus on rural healthcare. This scholarship would help cover the associated costs, allowing me to engage in these valuable learning experiences without the need to work. With this extra time, I would
be able to focus on my studies, enhance my clinical skills, and build meaningful connections.

Additionally, this scholarship would help me acquire essential tools to expand my clinical knowledge such as medical equipment, textbooks, and online learning resources.

My first half of the year in Bathurst has been absolutely amazing. I’ve experienced such a supportive clinical, learning, and community environment, which wouldn’t have been possible without Australian Rotary Health. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’ve already decided to stay next year!

Working in the hospital has been nothing short of a fantastic experience. I’ve felt welcomed into the teams and had the chance to contribute to patient care in meaningful ways. During my mental health placement, I rotated through outpatient and inpatient clinics, community mental health teams, and even visited Orange Bloomfield Hospital where I saw specialised procedures like Electroconvulsive therapy. Being involved in patient care and especially working at the Panorama Clinic really showed me the importance of mental health services and their impact, particularly in rural communities.

My obstetrics and gynaecology placement quickly became my favourite. I was exposed to a wide variety of cases, from gynecological surgery to delivering babies. The team was always eager to teach, and helped me feel more confident in my skills. The teaching sessions prepared me to assist in emergencies, which meant I could help in cases like postpartum haemorrhage and also support patients through the labour process. Being part of such a personal and significant moment in someone’s life, like the birth of a baby, was unforgettable.

More recently, I had the chance to volunteer as a medic for a local AFL game, which was a great way to practice first aid and critical care skills in a real setting, while also supporting the Bathurst sports community.

Bathurst is also full of opportunities for social and recreational activities. At the start of the year, I joined a netball team, which has been a fun way to meet new people and stay active. The Rural Clinical School also helped my fellow medical students and me join the multisports team, which has been another fun way to relax.

Most of all, I’ve loved exploring Bathurst and its surrounding areas. Autumn was particularly stunning. I visited Mayfield Gardens and wandered around Bathurst town, taking in the vibrant reds, yellows, and ambers of the season. I’ve also gone horse riding with friends, explored the local markets, enjoyed trivia nights and dinners at the local pubs, and taken relaxing walks along the Macquarie River.

Overall, I’m so grateful to Rotary Health and the Bathurst community for supporting me and helping me settle into life here. This experience has shaped both my clinical skills and my personal growth, and I know it will have a lasting impact on me as a future clinician.