STUDENTS from Damascus College were encouraged to consider a career in medicine with a visit from Deakin University medical students last week as part of the school’s STEAM expo.
Each year Deakin sets aside 30 places in their medical degree for people applying from rural and regional areas, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.
Students applying to what’s known as the ‘rural stream’ do not have to sit the GAMSAT, an exam which medicine applicants are usually required to take.
Robin Jessup is currently studying medicine at Deakin University and is aiming to encourage rural students to apply.
“We have a shortage of doctors in rural locations so encouraging students at an early age to peruse healthcare would not only benefit the community but themselves as well as it’s a very rewarding career,” he said.
“While working you’re helping people, so you feel great about that and you’re giving back to your community.”
Currently there is a lack of medical professionals across rural and regional Australia, including Ballarat.
“We really need health practitioners in rural areas,” Mr Jessup said. “We are trying to encourage students to peruse careers in healthcare.”
Limited access to medical professional can have a flow on affect, with people living in regional and rural areas are more likely to have poorer health outcomes, making access event more important.
“Studies have shown that in rural areas there are lower health outcomes for residents, and they have poorer health overall,” said Mr Jessup.
“Putting more resources into getting health care professionals in those rural areas will really help a lot.”