Whether you’re preparing for your move, settling in, or thriving during your stay, our comprehensive guide offers valuable insights from experienced medical students and aspiring Rural Generalists.
Feeling uncertain about your rural placement? Needing some words of wisdom? The Future Generalist Committee is here to answer any questions you may have! Contact them today by emailing futuregeneralists@acrrm.org.au
- Do some research about the local community and the town you will be staying in.
- Confirm whether your accommodation will be provided or whether you will need to source accommodation yourself.
- Find out if there is Indigenous cultural training available in your region and consider completing this prior to your placement.
- Research what support is available to you whilst on placement. You may be eligible for certain bursaries/ scholarships.
- Find out what facilities will be provided (e.g. do you need to bring your own linen?).
- Consider how you will get there and how you will get around town once you arrive.
- Bring along personal items to help you feel at home while away from home (e.g. photos, ornaments).
- Seek advice and tips from students who have “been there, done that”.
- Get in touch with your supervisor and introduce yourself before you begin your placement.
- Become familiar with how long it takes to get places from your accommodation (e.g. local supermarket, fuel station, workplace).
- Ask colleagues in your hospital/practice if there are any hobby/interest groups you can join.
- When meeting new people for the first time, make sure to introduce yourself and your role.
- Ensure you have a clear understanding of what your supervisor expects. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t!
- Discuss with your supervisor whether parallel consulting is an option. It can be a great way to learn first-hand!
- Communicate with people in your areas of interest. You may meet people willing to go out of their way to involve you in presentations in that area.
- Get involved in the community by attending local events, visiting local hotspots and volunteering.
- Even if the placement is close to home, consider sticking around on weekends to really get a sense of the community.
- Schedule in regular phone calls with friends and family to avoid feeling homesick.
- Ensure you reach out to your regional support team for help and guidance if things aren’t going to plan.
- Pass on the favour of what you would have wanted to know by starting a ROVER containing handy local insights to pass from one student/junior doctor to the next as they come through.
The experience of parallel consulting in rural general practice in Echuca has been the highlight of my medical student journey. Being able to see the patients on my own, take a history, and do an examination to handover to the doctor was truly rewarding.
Jasmine Davis
