THE UNIVERSITY of Queensland is no stranger to regional Queensland. They have been operating the Rural Clinical School in Hervey Bay and beyond for over 20 years.

They also understand the need for more doctors in the regional communities and embed themselves in these regions through the important training.

Their classrooms are the public and private hospitals, specialist consulting rooms, general practices and community settings throughout Wide Bay, with teachers are dedicated and passionate rural clinicians. Students are able to complete the final two years of their degree in Hervey Bay and are actively encouraged to remain in the area to establish their careers.

Rural Clinical School Director Associate Professor Riitta Partanen discusses the importance of attracting medical students to regional communities like Hervey Bay.

“We know from the research, that early introduction to rural and remote medicine and repeat exposure through placements in rural communities positively influences a student’s intention to enter the regional workforce, which ultimately is our end goal” she said.

The University of Queensland has established Rural Health Scholarships to financially support students who are based in Hervey Bay and pursuing regional medicine. These scholarships encourage and support medical students, alleviating the financial pressures so many young people experience, and allows them to fully invest in their education. In turn, the scholarships help build Hervey Bay’s medical workforce, leading to improved patient outcomes and medical breakthroughs now and into the future.

A donation in support of Rural Health Scholarships will:

• Directly support medical students in financial need, easing the burden of study and day-to-day living costs;
• Encourage medical students who wish to pursue a career in regional medicine;
• Help address the shortage of doctors in Hervey Bay.

To make a donation please visit: https://donations.uq.edu.au/Dean-of-Medicines-Emerging-Priorities