We sat down and interviewed Hamish Watson from The University of Notre Dame Australia who was one of five medical students who participated in an immersion experience in Carnarvon supported by the WA Centre for Rural Health. Here are his responses:
What impact did the Carnarvon immersion experience have on you?
Rural immersion programs such as this continue to cement my desire to work, live, and grow in rural communities; an environment where you receive as much as you give. Going to Carnarvon opened my eyes to a part of WA I had not seen yet and welcomed me with open arms. I hope to one day return with a stethoscope, snorkel and a smile! I am incredibly grateful to the WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) and Rural Health West and of course Carnarvon for this awesome opportunity.
Has the experience had any influence on your decision to work rurally in the future?
Absolutely - I have become enamoured with working rurally and am aiming to apply to complete my third year of medicine through the Rural Clinical School WA (RCSWA) and hope to return to Carnarvon in the future. Working rurally is such a great opportunity, with programs through Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) offering specialised training to deliver care where people need it most.
Did the immersion provide you with an experience of working rurally?
This experience focussed on the non-clinical side of working rurally and hammered home the joys of living in such a beautiful part of the country, with great food, people, pubs and activities. Whilst there are challenges to working rurally - especially in medicine - the benefits surely outweigh any limitations. The strong community sense and togetherness is sorely missing from metropolitan sites.
Did you interact with WA Centre for Rural Health staff or rural placement students?
We were fortunate to meet some physiotherapy students on rural placement through WACRH, and clinical year medical students completing RCSWA. The WACRH staff were amazing, providing a highly organised and efficient program - special thanks to Bren who made us feel supported and endlessly excited for the sights of Carnarvon and beyond and to Tallulah who organised such an immersive itinerary.
Did you have any interprofessional interactions during this immersion?
We were fortunate to tour Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and meet some amazing, allied health staff and Aboriginal healthcare workers. A highlight was certainly the ‘On Country’ learning facilitated by Mr Raymond Edney. It was just a brilliant experience, and I got so much out of it. Spending a morning with Nurse Helen at the Carnarvon Medical Centre was an excellent foray into the valuable work nurses do alongside doctors. We were able to poke and prod the residents of Carnarvon coming in for GP visits, and for that I am very thankful. As a nurse myself it is always brilliant to see the sentiment of Teamwork Makes the Dream Work come to life.
Did you stay in WACRH student accommodation?
Yes, and we were absolutely spoiled. The accommodation was spectacular, with self-contained units and stellar views of the water. The fact that these facilities are mostly cleaned and supplied by students is beautiful and shows a great cohesion between all students enjoying the facilities.