University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

Directors Welcome

Welcome to the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health.  Our organisation incorporates the Commonwealth funded University Department of Rural Health, Rural Clinical Training and Support and a number of smaller programs.

The University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) program, established in 2002, focuses on facilitating student placements and learning, enhancing the health of local communities through community projects and conducting research into rural health issues. The UDRH program supports students in Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Medical Radiation Science, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy and Speech Pathology, with staff and facilities located in Tamworth, Taree, Armidale, and Moree.

In July 2006, the RCS program commenced in Tamworth and Taree.  This program continuted to grow rapidly through 2006 to 2011.  In July 2012, the new RCTS program commenced.  It extends and affirms the importance of quality undergraduate experience for medical students with opportunity to support the rural health workforce and engage with rural communities.  This program provides full and half year placements for students of the Joint Medical Program (JMP) of the University of Newcastle and University of New England.  In partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, JMP students can take clinical placements in either year 4 or year 5 at hospitals based in Tamworth, Taree and Armidale.

The UDRH and RCTS programs take great pride in the support provided to students in the frontline of the health care system.  We are leaders in delivering allied health, medical and nursing placements in rural areas.  Our aim is to provide not only high quality clinical training but also an enjoyable life experience in magnificent rural centres so as to expose our students to the career and lifestyle opportunities available outside  the metropolitan areas.

Our community projects seek not only to provide health education and services to our local community, but also support disadvantaged communities and to provide our students with first hand exposure to community issues.

Our growing research expertise is reflected in our Research Strategic Directions focussing on rural workforce, education, Indigenous health and clinical evidence.

With the support of a diverse and energetic academic and clinical network, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health is well placed to provide high quality student teaching and learning experiences, excellence in research output, and partnerships aimed at building a strong and healthy community.
 
Dr Jenny May
Acting Director
University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

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