Rural students give health careers a check-up

Monday 9 July 2007

35 high school students from rural and regional New South Wales are heading to the University of Newcastle this week to give health careers the once over.

The students will visit the University, and a range of local health service providers, on Tuesday 10 July and Wednesday 11 July as part of Rural High Schools Health Career Week.

Rural High Schools Health Career Week exposes students to city and university life, and aims to increase their confidence and knowledge of the programs available at the University of Newcastle.

A further aim is to positively influence their interest in studying medicine or other health-related fields.

The University of Newcastle's medical program is recognised nationally and internationally as a leading program which prepares students to practice in urban, regional, rural and remote Australia.

The recently announced Joint Medical Program, which extends the University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Medicine to the University of New England, will further bolster the strong reputation of the program.

Travelling from as far afield as Tamworth, Broken Hill, Lismore, Orange and Dubbo, the Year 10 and 11 students have shown interest in pursuing a career in the medical and health science fields.

These students have access to the Rural/Remote Admissions Scheme (RRAS) the University has in place for entry into the Bachelor of Medicine program. The RRAS aims to increase the number of students from remote and regional communities coming to the University to study medicine.

The students begin their visit with a tour of John Hunter Hospital, John Hunter Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House on Tuesday afternoon, before heading to the University for a tour of Evatt House and dinner at The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre.

On Wednesday 11 July, students will visit some of the health facilities at the University, view practical health demonstrations, visit the Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies, and then head to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Base.

There will be a number of photo opportunities during the two days, and some participating students will be available for interview.

For interviews or to organise photo opportunities, please contact Kerrie Bissett, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, on 4928 6729. The coordinator of the week is Justine Brindle, Faculty of Health, University of New South Wales, on 02 9385 3250.