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I n t h i s i s s u e• NRHSNExecutivehighlights2013priorities

• Fromstudentlifetoruralhealthworkforce

•MyelectiveplacementintheTopEnd

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NRHSN Rural Health Clubs

1 ARMS

2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA

3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC

4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW

5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD

6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT

7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT

8 FURHS Flinders University, SA

9 HOPE4HEALTH

10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA

11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC

12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW

14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW

15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC

16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC

17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW

18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD

19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW

20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW

21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA

22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS

23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW

24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA

25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT

26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD

27 WAALHIIBE

28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC

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catchuponNRHSNnewsinsidecooee

To find out more: visit the websitewww.nrhsn.org.au

TheNationalRuralHealthStudents’Network(NRHSN)providesavoiceforstudentswhoarepassionateaboutimprovinghealthoutcomesforruralandremoteAustralians.TheStudentNetworkhasmorethan

9000memberswhobelongto29RuralHealthclubsatuniversitiesthroughoutAustralia.Theyincludestudentsstudyingmedical,nursingandalliedhealthcourses.TheNRHSNoffersmulti-disciplinary

networking,professionaldevelopmentandsupportandopportunitiestoenablepositiveruralhealthexperiences.TheNRHSNisfundedbytheAustralian

GovernmentandismanagedandauspicedbyRuralHealthWorkforceAustralia.

Future Workforce Team:KerrynEccleston,Program ManagerRachelDrummond,Membership & Technology Officer and Cooee! EditorLindaMccaffrey,Senior Project OfficerSharonMarch,Project OfficerSallyBlackstock,Project Officerinfo@nrhsn.org.au 03 9860 4700www.nrhsn.org.au

AbouttheNationalRuralHealthStudents’Network

COOEE! COVER: MIRAGE members Cassandra Yee and Laura Crewdson show Victor Ward a model ear during a Rural High School Visit last year to Wilcannia Central School in New South Wales. Cassandra and Laura are speech pathology students and the shaving cream in the ear is designed to show the effects of wax build-up and the effect on hearing.

contentsNRHSN Executive update 3RHWA CEO Column 4Tools give students a start in rural and remote practice 5Indigenous Community Festivals – an important update 8From student life to the rural health workforce 9Go Rural campaign takes off 10NRHSN Council Face-to-Face Meeting 12My Elective Placement in the Top End 13Rural high School Visits 14regular featuresPortfolio updates 6-8Conferences of National Significance 11Rural Health Club Events 14Out and about 15

NRHSN Rural Health Clubs

1 ARMS

2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA

3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC

4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW

5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD

6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT

7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT

8 FURHS Flinders University, SA

9 HOPE4HEALTH

10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA

11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC

12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW

14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW

15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC

16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC

17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW

18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD

19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW

20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW

21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA

22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS

23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW

24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA

25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT

26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD

27 WAALHIIBE

28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC

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Executivecommittee2013

Welcometothefirstinstalmentofcooee!for2013.WehopethisillustriouspublicationprovidesaninsightintowhatanamazingandsignificantnetworktheNRHSNhasbecomeovertheyears.ThisinpartisduetothegreatworkofpastExecutivecommitteessuchasthe2012teamofSimonReid,JamesRothandBencrough,pastportfolioholders,RuralHealthWorkforceAustralia(whoauspiceandmanagetheNRHSN)staffandRuralHealthclubexecutives.onbehalfoftheNetworkandour9000+memberswewouldliketothankeveryoneforyourcontributiontotheNetwork,itsinitiativesandruralhealth.Let us introduce ourselvesThisyearhasstartedwithabang,andeverythingisfullsteamahead.Sopleaseallowustointroduceourselves.DanielFaux,4thYearmedicalstudentatGriffithUniversityandHoPE4HEALTHmember;KatherineHumphreys,4thYearphysiotherapystudentatcurtinUniversityandWAALHIIBEmemberandJillianFerrell,4thYearmedicalstudentattheUniversityofQueenslandandTRoHPIQmember.Wearethe2013ExecutiveTeamandwe’relookingforwardtoworkingwitheveryonetoensuretheNetworkremainsstrong,vibrantandcontemporary.2013willseeusworkingtowardstheNetwork’spurposeofprovidingopportunitiesandsupportforstudentstoexperienceruralandremotehealthwhilstadvocatingonbehalfofstudentsexperiences.

Our goals 1.AssistRuralHealthclubsin

increasingtheiractivemembershipnumbers

2.FortifyingrelationshipsbetweenthePortfolios,RuralHealthclubsandtheExecutive

3.Advocatingforgreaterruralhealthequality.

Wehavebeenworkingtowardsthesegoalsoverthelastfewmonths,inconjunctionwiththePortfolioholdersandRuralHealthclubs.Our voiceTheNRHSNNationalPrioritiesPaperiscurrentlybeingreviewedtoensurethatwe,asaNetwork,areadvocatingforwhatourmemberswant.PuttingtogetherthisvaluabledocumentisanimmensetaskandwewouldliketothankthecommunityandAdvocacyPortfoliofortheirgreatworkonthis.

The Extended scope of practice, emerging health professions and rural career pathway attraction opportunitiespositionpaperandtheoptimisingRuralPlacementsGuidelineswerepassedbycouncilearlierthisyear.YoucanviewtheNRHSN’spositionpapersatwww.nrhsn.org.au/positionpapers.Be connectedInlinewithoursecondgoalwehavealsoencouragedthePortfoliostoregularlycontributetoourFortnightlye-Newsletter,FacebookPage(www.facebook.com/nrhsn)andclubRegionalTeleconferences.

WereallyenjoyedmeetingandcatchingupwiththeNRHSNcouncilmembersattheMarchNRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeeting.TherearesomanyinspiringpeopleintheNetwork,whichiswhatmakesitsuchagreatopportunitytobeinvolvedin.RHC supportTherearealargenumberofresourcesavailableforRuralHealthclubsontheNRHSNwebsite,weencourageyoutoexplorethesite(includingtheloginsectionforclubExecutives)toseewhatsupportisavailable.TheExecutivearealsoalwayswillingtohelpsopleasesendusanemailforanyqueriesyoumayhave.Inspiring RHC events and activitiesTheshearnumberanddiversityofeventsandactivitiestheRuralHealthclubshaveorganisedfortheirmembersistrulyamazing.SeealloftheRuralHighSchoolVisits,clinicalSkills,careerInformationnights,closetheGapeventsandmuch,muchmoreatwww.nrhsn.org.au/events.Wehavegreatlyenjoyedourrole

overthelastfewmonths,andwelookforwardtoworkingwiththeNetwork’sinspirationalandmotivatedstudentsacrossAustraliatoensurethat2013isanothersuccessfulyearforruralandremotehealth.All the best, until next time. Dan, Kat and Jillian.e: exec@nrhsn.org.au

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2013StudentExecutivecommitteeL-RKatherineHumphreys,DanielFaux,JillianFerrell

2013StudentExecutivecommitteeatmediatraining

L-RKatherineHumphreys,DanielFaux,JillianFerrell

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Reachforthestars

Greg Sam, RHWA CEO

rural health workforce

Therehasneverbeenabettertimeinthiscountrytoconsideracareerinruralhealth.Youcanlearnsomuch,helpsomany

andhaveagreatlifeatthesametime.Thevarietywillkeepyouinterested

–allthewayfromtrulyconnectedcommunitycarethroughtothechallengesofIndigenoushealthandtropicalmedicine.Ifyouwantto,youcan

reallymakeadifferencewithouthavingtoleaveAustralia.Andattheendofthedayyouwon’tbe

stuckinatrafficjamheadinghometoahousethatisbarelyaffordableortryingtomakeadashacrosstowntopickupthekids.Localclubs,incrediblenaturalscenery,aburgeoningregionalartssceneandasmorgasbordofoutdooractivitiesareyourstoenjoy.Therearemanytownsand

communitiesthatneedyou.Andtherearemanyruralhealthpractitionersonlytoowillingtopassontheskillsthatalifetimeofexperiencehasprovided.Wealsoknowthatasignificant

numberofthesehealthprofessionalsareapproachingretirementwhichtranslatestodemandforpeoplelikeyou.Nowisyourtime.Makethemostof

it.See,doandlearn…andimaginethesortofpersonyoucouldbeonceyougraduate.TheFederalGovernmentisoffering

arangeofincentives,scholarshipsandsupportforthosewhoareinterested.Ifyouwanttomakethemove,letus

know.ourorganisationrepresentsanationalnetworkofnot-for-profitRuralWorkforceAgencieswhocanhelpyoufindtherightjobinaplacethat’srightforyou.Theagencieshaveextensivelinkswith

regionaltrainingproviders,localhospitalnetworksandpeoplewhocanguideyoualongthecareerpathway.Andtheopportunitiesareamazing

–spreadlikethestarsacrossthisvastcontinentof7.6millionsquarekilometres.Reachoutandgrabone.Itwillchange

yourlife.

PEAK BODY Rural Health Workforce Australia www.rhwa.org.au 03 9860 4700

NSW NSW Rural Doctors Network www.nswrdn.com.au 02 4924 8000

VIC RWAV www.rwav.com.au 03 9349 7800

QLD Health Workforce Queensland www.healthworkforce.com.au 07 3105 7800

SA Rural Doctors Workforce Agency www.ruraldoc.com.au 08 8234 8277

WA Rural Health West www.ruralhealthwest.com.au 08 6389 4500

TAS Health Recruitment Plus Tasmania www.healthrecruitmentplus.com.au 03 6334 2355

NT Northern Territory Medicare Local www.ntml.org.au 08 8982 1000

The Rural Health Workforce Network

About usRural Health Workforce Australia seeks to improve community access to primary healthcare services in rural and remote Australia.

We are the peak body for the state and territory Rural Workforce Agencies which attract, recruit and support health professionals in rural and remote areas.

Together, we work to close the ‘divide’ in primary healthcare services between urban and non-urban Australia.

In partnership with our state and territory members, we manage national programs that address the shortage of rural and remote health professionals. We do this by recruiting health professionals

rural health workforce

to work in rural and remote communities, engaging students in rural health careers and supporting health workers in the bush.

A not-for-profit organisation, RHWA is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to whom we provide policy and program advice.

Stay in touch via social mediaConnect with the latest news from RHWA via twitter and facebook. Our twitter handle is @RuralHealthOz and you can find us on facebook at www.facebook.com.au/RuralHealthWorkforce

Contact usRural Health Workforce Australia

Suite 2, Level 5, 10 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

Telephone 61 3 9860 4700Facsimile 61 3 9820 8383Email info@rhwa.org.au Web www.rhwa.org.au

HWA nursing consultation

HealthWorkforceAustralia(HWA)haslaunchedaconsultationfornursingworkforceretentionandproductivity.Acomprehensiveconsultationdocumentisavailableontheirwebsitewhichcontainsinformationaboutthecurrentnursingworkforce.HWAareinvitingfeedbackontheconsultationdocumentwhichcanbecompletedonlineatwww.hwaconnect.net.au.Feedbackisdueby30April2013.

StudentsandnewgraduatesofalliedhealthcoursesarefindingtheirstartinremoteandruralpracticeismadeeasierwiththehelpofatoolkitdevelopedbyServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH).SARRAH’sRemoteandRuralTransition

Toolkitisafreeonlineresourcetosupportalliedhealthprofessionalsandstudentsstartingoutinruralpractice.Thetoolkitincludeslearningmodules

thatcanbecompletedonlineforaseamlessstartinremoteandruralpractice.Thelearningmodulesinclude:• Selfcare• confidentialityandProfessional

Boundaries• culturalSafety• TranslationEvidenceBasedPractice• PrimaryHealthcare.Inaddition,fournewmodulesarecurrentlyunderdevelopment.Theseinclude:• WorkloadManagementand

Prioritisation• Workingtogetherinateam• TransitiontoRemoteandRural

outreach• ServiceEvaluationandPlanningSARRAHcEoRodWellingtonsaidthetoolkithadbeenwidelyusedandwelcomedbystudents,newgraduatesandexperiencedpractitionersnewtoremotepractice.“WorkinginremoteandruralAustralia

isextremelyrewarding,butitrequiresauniquesetofskillsandknowledgethatthetoolkithelpsalliedhealthpractitionerstobuildattheirownpace,”hesaid.“Iencourageallstudentsworking

towardsdegreesinalliedhealthtovisitthesiteandseeforthemselvesthebenefitsoftakinguparemoteorrural-basedcareer.”Thesiteincludesreallifestoriesfrom

alliedhealthprofessionalswhohavemadethejourneytoremotesettings.MrWellingtonsaidformanyyoungalliedhealthprofessionals,remoteandruralworkofferedthechancetotakeona

widerrangeofpatientsthantheymayotherwiseseeinthecities.“Thedemographicsofbigcitiesmeans

thattheareayouworkincandeterminethepatientsyousee,whereasinremoteandruralsettings,practitionersseearangeofpatientswithdiversebackgroundsfromawidergeographicalarea.”

Toolsgivestudentsaseamlessstartinremoteandruralpractice

In my fourth year of an Occupational Therapy Course at the University of South Australia I was given the chance to undertake a rural placement in Port Pirie, South Australia, with five other OT Students for a three month adventure that truly set the pathway for unforgettable memories, experiences, opportunities and friendships that grew stronger than we had ever imagined.

Renae makes the move from city student to rural practice

The knowledge and skills that we developed working in Port Pirie have carried on till this very day as a clinician. I learnt the importance of including communities in practice and service delivery. To have an understanding of the rural living and social determinants that impact on health. My confidence to communicate and develop working partnerships effectively was increased, as was my capacity to build professional networks. All of these have greatly benefited my clinical work since.

Of course there are ups and downs, moving away from friends/family to the ‘unknown’, anxieties of my clinical judgement and working with complex clients and communities. However, embracing the challenge, learning from mistakes, taking on advice and direction from colleagues, meeting new friends and living life - playing sport, camping, dinners, quiz nights and road trips has made this transition truly effortless.

“Thiscanmakeitaverygoodtraininggroundfordevelopingcompetency,resourcefulnessandflexibilityfromtheverystartofyourcareer.”MrWellingtonsaidSARRAHmembers

workinallstatesandterritories,withmanypromotedtohigh-flyingpositionsingovernmentandtheprivatesectorwithouthavingtomovetothecity.“SARRAHmembershaveprovedthat

alliedhealthprofessionalscanhaveahighlysuccessfulcareerworkinginruralandremoteAustralia,wherethelifestylebenefits–notrafficjamsorsmogandastrongsenseofcommunity–onlyaddtotheadvantagesofworkingoutsidethebigcities.”

ByRenaeStrugnell,anoccupationaltherapistworkinginPortPirie,SA

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L-RTaraNaige,MitchellMilanovic

NRHSNportfolioupdatesfor2013

AswewelcometheNewYear,thecommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio(cAP)seniorrepresentatives,MitchellMilanovicandFrankieGarnett,wouldliketointroducethenewjuniorrepresentativestotheteam,TaraNaigeandLucyDobson.BothhavecomefromDeakinUniversityandwelookforwardtoworkingtogetherasateamthisyear.

In2013,westrivetomaintainourstakeholderrelationships.WecontinueourinvolvementwiththeNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)withMitchandTararepresentingusinseniorandjuniorpositions,respectively.Wehavealsointroducedanewjuniorposition,whichLucywillundertake,toworkwithandsupportFrankie’sinvolvementwiththeAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN).March2013markedthepassingofanew

NRHSNpositionpaper,“Extendedscopeofpractice,emerginghealthprofessionsandruralcareerpathwayattractionopportunities”.ThepaperoutlinesstrategiesthatcouldhelpdeliveramoreproductiveworkforcetoruralandremoteAustralia,theseincludethedevelopmentofextendedscopeofpracticeforcurrenthealthprofessionalsandtheintroductionofnewhealthassistantroles.Excitingly,FrankiewillbepresentingthispaperattheupcomingNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaidethismonth.

TheNRHcwasheld7-10April,wherecAPwasonceagaininvolvedintheconferenceprogram,includinganNRHSNstudentintroductionsession.ItwasveryexcitingtohavesomanystudentsattendinginAdelaidewiththecoNSfundingbeingexhaustedforthisevent!Welookforwardtoupdatingyouwiththefruitsfromtheconference.Lastly,butnotatallleast,cAPare

currentlyrevisingtheNRHSNNationalPrioritiesPaper(NPP)toensurethatitisstillfreshandrelevant,representingourcurrentviewsasaNetwork.Thispaperispresentedtogroupsthatinfluenceruralhealthplacementsandscholarships.SotoensuretheNPPisaccurate,wehavecreatedasurveythatallruralhealthclubmemberscanaccesstoprovidefeedbackonthecurrentpriorities.Thesurveycanbefoundatwww.nrhsn.org.au/advocacy,andthecurrentNPPisontheNRHSNwebsite.cAPlookforwardtohearingyour

responsessothatwecanmovetheNRHSNforwardandaccuratelyrepresentthecurrentthoughtsofmembers.Asalways,ifyouhavequestions,commentsorneedsomehelpwithinyourRuralHealthclubwithadvocacypleasedonothesitatetocontactusatadvocacy@nrhsn.org.au.

The2013AlliedHealthPortfolio(AHP)SeniorRepresentatives,chrisMyers,IngridDiepandBencrough,welcomethenewJuniorRepresentativestotheportfolio–HeidiBeames,AnnieNicholsandMarcEskander.MarcandAnniewillworkwiththeSeniorRepresentativesonstakeholderrelationships.TheAHPisexcitedtoannouncethatthe

portfoliowillnowhaveRuralHighSchoolVisits(RHSV)incorporatedintoit.HeidiBeameshastakenontheRHSVroleontheportfoliofor2013.HeidiandtheAHPwillworkwiththeNursingandMidwiferyPortfolioandtheMedicalPortfoliotoensuretheRuralHealthclubsaregettingthemostoftheRHSV’s.AnarticlepublishedintheRMWilliams“outback’magazinestartsapositiveandbusytimefortheRHSV’s.Thearticle“HealthyFutures’canbefoundontheNRHSN2013Mediawebpage–www.nrhsn.org.au.

TheAHPwillbechangingitsinternaldelegationstructuretoallowforourSeniorRepresentativestohavebetterrelationshipsandcollaborativenetworkswithourcurrentstakeholdersin2013.ThischangewillkeepandbuilduponthestrengthsofstakeholderssuchasSARRAHandcRANAplusaswellasmakingnewoneswithgroupssuchasoTAustraliaandAustralianPhysiotherapyAssociation.ThisyeartheAHP,whilstmeeting

withstakeholdersandfosteringbetterrelationships,willproduceasurveybasedaroundalliedhealthaccommodationwhengoingonplacements.Thiswillbesentoutformemberstocomplete.TheresultwillhelpshapefutureNRHSNadvocacywork.WewillworkwithourRHWAstaffmembersonincreasinggeneralRHSVparticipationaswellasalliedhealthstudentparticipation.Abigfocuswillbetomeetasmany

stakeholdersaspossibleatconferenceswherewearehelpingtoorganiseandpresentabstracts.WewillalsoworkwithRuralHealthclubstoensurethattheiralliedhealthmembersarehavinggoodopportunitiesattheiruniversity.Ifyouwouldliketogetincontactwithuspleaseemailalliedhealth@nrhsn.org.au

AlliedHealthPortfolioChris Myers, Ingrid Diep, Ben Crough, Heidi Beames, Annie Nichols, Marc Eskandere:alliedhealth@nrhsn.org.auw:nrhsn.org.au/alliedhealth

AlliedHealthPortfolioSeniorRepresentatives:L-RBencrough,

chrisMyers

communityandAdvocacyPortfolioMitchell Milanovic, Francesca Garnett, Tara Naige, Lucy Dobsone:advocacy@nrhsn.org.auw:nrhsn.org.au/advocacy

MedicalPortfolioJohn Clark, Natalie Kew, David Khoo, Viktor Koe:medical@nrhsn.org.auw:nrhsn.org.au/medical

ViktorKo

HellotoallournewandcontinuingNursingandMidwiferyRuralHealthclub(RHc)studentsaroundthecountry!Wehavehadabusystartto2013,kicking

offwithamakeover!WearepleasedtoannouncethatwearenowtheNursingandMidwiferyPortfolio(NaMP).ManythanksgotocatherineRyan(2012Senior)forinitiatingtherecognitionofourMidwiferystudentsoutthere.But,whoarewe?YourSenior

Representativefor2013iscarolMudford;she’sa3rdyearnursingstudentatcharlesSturtUniversityinAlbury(NSW),amemberofMARHS,andlovesagoodcampfire.YourJuniorRepresentativefor2013isMelissachilds;she’sa3rdyearnursingstudentatFlindersUniversityinAdelaide(SA),amemberofFURHS,andlovestotravel.Our goals for 2013 are to:• tosupportclubsindevelopingNursing

andMidwifery(N&M)studentmembershipandparticipation

• shareopportunitiesandinitiativesthatsupportN&Mstudents

NursingandMidwiferyPortfoliocommittee:L-RcarolMudford,Melissachilds

NursingandMidwiferyPortfolioCarol Mudford, Melissa Childse:nursing@nrhsn.org.auw:nrhsn.org.au/nursing

• maintainanddevelopstakeholderrelationships.

This means we are: • EstablishingcontactwithRHc’stosupport

therecruitmentofN&Mstudents• IdentifyingrelevantMidwifery

organisations(ifyou’reaMidwiferystudentwithideasofhowwecanbestsupportyou,we’dlovetohearfromyou!)

• Findingandpromoting:•RuralplacementscholarshipopportunitiesforN&MStudentsnationally•RuralthemedN&Mconferences,toincreasetherangeofcoNSfundingavailabletoN&Mstudents

• ReviewingthecRANAplusstudent‘RemoteEmergencycare’and‘MaternityEmergencycare’courselocation,withtheaimofopeningupthecoursestomorestudents

• And,we’reseekingN&Mstudentrolemodelsfromaroundthecountry,topromotetheruralhealthworktheyareundertaking.ouraimistopromote

rurallyfocusededucationandclinicalplacements,whilstalsorecognisingtheinspiringactivitiesofN&Mstudents.Letusknowabouttheawesomethingsyouorafriendaredoing!

Mostofall,wearesuperkeentohearwhatYoUwantfromus.AreyouaMidwiferystudentwithaparticularruralissueatheart?AreyouaclubstrugglingwithN&Mmembers?orareyou…?ouraimistoconnectwithYoUandstrengthentheNursingandMidwiferystudentvoice…we’reaprettynoisypairourselves,butwewantYoURvoice,sogetintouchandletusknowwhatwecandoforyou!contactusatnursing@nrhsn.org.au

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ThisyearmyaimistoincreaseourinteractionwiththeRuralHealthclubs(RHcs),throughdirectcontactwiththeRHcpresidentsandNRHSNrepresentatives.I’mlookingforwardtoworkingwithNSWandQLD;NatalieiskeepingtabsonVIc,TASandAcT,whilstViktorsaysG’daytoWAandSA.Hopetohearfromyousoon!Natalie KewI’ma3rdyearmedicalstudentworkingintheWesternsuburbsofMelbourne.IamalsothePresidentofMelbourneUni’sRHc,outlook.Forme2013willbeallaboutlearningtheropesofthemedicalportfolio,workingonStudentServicesandAmenitiesFees(SSAF)advocacy,theEntrytoMedicineRuralGuideandrepresentingallofyouontheNRHSNatthevariousstakeholdermeetings.TheMedicalPortfoliowillbeworkinghardontheirnewproject,aguideonentryintoMedicineandruralscholarshipsoropportunities.

2013willbeanothersportingyearfortheMedicalPortfolio.WehavekickedoffwithpositivediscussionwiththeNationalRuralFaculty(RAcGP),AustraliancollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine(AcRRMBSPandJFPP)andRuralDoctor’sAssociationAustralia(RDAAJuMP).ourMarchFace-to-FaceMeetingopenedconversationwithFederationofRuralAustralianMedicalEducators(FRAME)andGeneralPracticeStudentNetwork(GPSN)whowelookforwardtoworkingwithlaterthisyear.Wehavealsooutlinednewandcontinuinggoals.John ClarkToallournewmembersoftheNRHSN,welcome.I’moneof4medicalportfoliorep’s.ThisyearI’mdoingmyfinalyearofmedicalschoolthroughMonashincountry,cityandoverseashospitals.Pleasesharewithusyourexperiencesofyouruniversity,ruralplacementsandadventuresaswewouldlovetohearfromyou.

Viktor KoFinallyIamViktor,Ilookforwardtocrossingpathswithyouandcontributingtowardsmakingthisyearinterestingforyou.Werelyonourmember’scontributionssodon’thesitatetogetincontact.Weareinterestedintheruralactivitiesatyourmedicalschooloranyoutstandingstudentyouthinkdeservesapatontheback.ShareitwithyourRHcpresident,NRHSNRepresentativesorusdirectly.checkoutourwebpagewithourportfolio

member’sprofilesandinformationfor2013.ViktorKoonbehalfoftheMedicalPortfolio

C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3

L-RLisaWaters,SophieAlpen

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IndigenousHealthPortfolioLisa Waters, Sophie Alpene:indigenous_health@nrhsn.org.auw:nrhsn.org.au/indigenoushealth

alistoffestivalsthatareavailablefortheRHc’stoattendaswellasoptionsofotheractivitiestoengagewithIndigenousstudents.IfyouhaveagoodstructurealreadyinplaceforyourRHcaroundIndigenousFestivalsoranyotheractivitiesaroundthecountrypleasekeepusintheloopindigenous_health@nrhsn.org.au.WehavebeenincontactwithNational

AboriginalcommunitycontrolledHealthorganisation(NAccHo),withregardstobeinginvolvedintheirworkaroundculturalsafetyguidelinesandarewaitingaresponse.Wehavealsobeenlookingatsomegreatwebsitesthatcontainaccessibleculturalsafetyguidelines.ThePortfolioitselfhasupdateditsgoalsintermsofbeingappropriateandrealisticwhichbetterreflectandguidetheteam.Keepyoureyesonthewebpagesfortheseexcitingupdates.Sophiewasluckyenoughtoattend

theNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaide,whichhadgreatsessionsonIndigenoushealthparticular

withculturalsafety,appropriatedeliveryofservices,specificallyeyehealth.Theconferencewasafantasticnetworkingopportunitywithourstakeholders,non-stakeholderorganisations,professionalsworkinginIndigenoushealthandstudents.Finally,wehavebeenincrediblyexcited

tohearaboutsomeofthefantastic‘closetheGap’eventsthatwereheldonthe24thMarch.IfyourRHcdidnotmanagetoorganiseoneit’snevertoolatetohavea‘closetheGap’eventanditisafantasticopportunitytoengagewithlocalIndigenousorganisations,highlightthemassiveinequitythatstillexistsbetweenIndigenousandNonIndigenousHealthandfocusonsomeofthewaysyouenvisagehealthmovingforwardforIndigenouspeople.

Well,theyearhasbeenexcitingfortheIndigenousPortfolio.Therehavebeensomegreatbeginningsinstrengtheningournetworkingopportunities.RobertJonesfromAustralianIndigenousDoctorsAssociation(AIDA),whopresentedattheFace-to-FacemeetinginMarch,hasbeengreatindiscussingourdesiretonetworkwithallofthestudentrepresentativesfromAIDA.ItisnowbeingdiscussedattheboardandcEolevelandhopefullywewillbeabletohelplinkAIDAandtheRHc’s.congressofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderNurses(cATSIN)hashadajointletterdraftedinconjunctionwiththenursingportfolio,whichwillhopefullyhelptoincreaseourmembershipwithIndigenousNursingstudents.FinallyJustincain-Bloxsome,theamazingNRHSNIndigenousHealthRepresentativefromlastyearwillbeourmajorpointofcontactforinroadsintothealliedhealthprofessionaldomain.TheworkaroundIndigenousFestivals

continuesasasweworkwithRuralHealthWorkforceAustraliatogenerate

IndigenouscommunityFestivals–animpo rtantupdate

RoUNDSmembersatanIndigenouscommunityFestivalinWarchope,NSW.

EachyearRuralHealthclub(RHc)membershaveenjoyedparticipatinginIndigenouscommunityFestivalsasarequirementoftheirNRHSNfunding.

ThemainfestivalsthatRHc’shaveparticipatedin,Wakikirri,DeadlyDaysandVibeAlive,areunfortunatelynotrunningthisyear.

IndigenouscommunityFestivalsprovideRHcstudentstheopportunityto:• provideprimaryandhighschool

studentswithinformationabouthealthylifestylesandhealthcareersencouragingthemtopursuethatpathway;and

• havepositiveruralexperiences.Researchiscurrentlyunderway

onreplacementactivities.Wehaveestablishedthattherearelimitedfestivalsrunningin2013thatwillenableRHc’stodeliverthehealthylivingandhealthcareersmessagetoIndigenousprimaryandhighschoolstudents.Vibe 3on3TheVibe3on3BasketballandHipHopchallengeisa‘travellingsportandmusicfestivalthatbringstogetherIndigenousandnon-Indigenousyoungpeopleforafundayofbasketball,

9

IgrewupinruralSouthAustraliaintownssuchasStrathalbynandVictorHarbor.IhavejustcompletedmyBachelorofSpeechPathologyatFlindersUniversityandIamcurrentlyhalfwaythroughalactationcourse.Workinginaruralcommunitygivesmetheopportunitytogainabroadrangeofexperiencesasanewgraduateandgivebacksomethingeventhoughsmalltomycommunity.Iamabletoseepaediatricsrightthroughtotheelderly.Thetransition

fromuniversitytoworkhashaditschallenges.WithlimitedjobavailabilityespeciallyinthepublicsectorinruralSouthAustraliaImanagedtoget

apositionasasoloprivatespeechpathologistworkingforSoutherncrosscare’snewfacility,theTherapyLifestylecentre,anewnot-for-profitAlliedHealthcentreforallagesbasedinGoolwa.BeingpartoftheRuralHealth

ProfessionalProgram(RHPP)hasmadethetransitionfromunitoworking

asasolospeechpathologisteasier.Theprogramnotonlyprovidesmewithfinancialassistancebutalsoamentor.Mymentorisamazingsheisalwaysaphone

calloranemailawayandwemeetonceamonthfor4hours.Inour4hoursIamabletogothroughdifficultcasesandscenariosaswellassitinonherclientsessions.ThisallowsmetolearnwhattechniquesheusestotreatclientsaswellasmakingsurethatIamcontinuingwithmyprofessionaldevelopment.TherewasonesituationwhereI

neededtomakeafairlybigdecisionregardingapatient.Asanewgraduateandnothavingaseniorspeechpathologistthiswouldhavebeenaverydauntingexperience.HoweverhavingmymentorallowedmetodebriefanddiscussmydecisionwithherandprovidemewiththeconfidencethatIhadmadetherightdecisions.ThroughoutuniversityIwasanactive

memberofmyRuralHealthclub,FURHS,andtheNRHSNwhichprovidedmewiththeskillsandknowledgetoknowwhattoexpectandhowtoadapttoworkingasahealthprofessionalinaruralcommunity.Italsogavemetheopportunitytoknowwhathelpandassistancewasavailablefornewgraduates,suchastheRHPP.IfthereisanyonewhoisconsideringacareerinruralAustraliabutalittleunsureIhighlyrecommendgoingruralyouwillnotregretit.

Fromstudentlifetotheruralhealthworkforce

clareSutcliffetalksabouthertransitionfromstudenttoaruralhealthprofessionalandthebenefitsthattheRuralHealthProfessionalsProgram

hasprovidedduringthisperiod.

“The program not only provides me with financial

assistance but also a mentor.”Things that can help are:GetinvolvedwithyourRuralHealthclub-it’samazinghowmuchyouwilllearnandmoreimportantlythefunexperiencesyouwillhave.GetintouchwithRuralHealth

WorkforceAustralia-theycanprovideyouwithinformationonwhereyoucangetassistance.

Appointment of Chief Allied Health Officer

TheMinisterforHealth,TanyaPlibersekhasannouncedtheestablishmentofthecommonwealth’sfirstchiefAlliedHealthofficer.Theannouncementprovidesrecognitionofthecontributionofalliedhealthprofessionalstothehealthwell-beingofallAustralians.“Allied health professionals make up about 20 per cent of the health workforce in Australia, providing vital services to patients and the establishment of a Chief Allied Health Officer will further strengthen and support their work,”saidMsPlibersek.ThechiefAlliedHealthofficerwillfocusonimprovingthedeliveryofalliedhealthservicesinthebush,whilstensuringallAustraliansbenefitfromwellintegratedmedical,nursingandalliedhealthcareservices.

IndigenouscommunityFestivals–animpo rtantupdatedancingandmusic’.Theyhaveamajorhealthfocusviathehealthexpothataccompaniestheday.DateswillbeconfirmedshortlyandRHc’swillbeadvised.Other alternativesIfFestivalsarenotanoptionforyourRHc,analternativemaybeforyourclubtoorganiseaneventoractivityinaruralorremoteIndigenouscommunity.Wewillkeepyouinformedviathe

NRHSNwebsiteandFortnightlyUpdatee-newsletteroftheoutcomes.Help!Ifstudentsknowofanylocaleventthatyoubelievewillsatisfythecriterialistedabove,orifyouhaveanyideasaboutalternativestoattendanceatIndigenousfestivals,pleaseemailfestivals@nrhsn.org.au,wewelcomeyourthoughtsandsuggestions.

C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3

AnationalcampaigntoattractyoungdoctorsandmedicalstudentstoruralpracticehasbeenlaunchedwiththebackingoftheFederalGovernment.TheGoRuralAustraliacampaign

showcasesthelifestyleandprofessionalbenefitsofcareersinruralmedicine,includingaccesstosomeofthebestearlyyeartrainingopportunitiesinthecountry.ItisrunbyRuralHealthWorkforce

Australiainpartnershipwiththenationalnetworkofnot-for-profitRuralWorkforceAgencies.Theworkforceagenciesareholdinga

seriesofGoRuralAustraliaeventsandexperiencesincludingruralskillstraining,regionalbustoursandface-to-facemeetingswithruraldoctors.oneofthefirsteventswastherecentGo

Rural“citytocentre”triptotheNorthernTerritoryforeightmedicalstudentsselectedfromuniversitycampusesaroundAustralia.Theyoungadventurersweretreatedto

ajam-packedfivedaysincentralAustralia,organisedbytheworkforceteamfromNorthernTerritoryMedicareLocal.Theyvisitedtheremotecommunities

ofHermannsburgandSantaTeresa,spentanafternoonwiththePurpleHousedialysisteam,touredAliceSpringsHospitalandtheRoyalFlyingDoctorServicebase,andreceivedaprivatetutorialfromDrTeem-WingYipfromthecentreforDiseasecontrol.ontopofthat,thestudentscompleted

afulldayBasicEmergencySkillsTrainingcoursedeliveredunderthewatchfuleyeofNorthernTerritoryMedicareLocal,clinicalServicesAdvisor,DrJimThurley.AndIfthatwasn’tenough,theyevenhad

timetoexploresomeofthemostbeautifulpartsofcentralAustraliaincludingEllerycreekGorgewheretheywentswimming.“Thistriphasshownmethatthepotential

tomakeadifference,therewardsofworkinginabeautifulenvironmentandthefeelingofcommunitycertainlyoutweighanychallengesthatcomewiththecountry,”saidJasminGrajzman,amedicalstudentfromtheUniversityofNotreDameinFremantle,WesternAustralia.“IlearntasmuchaboutmyselfasI

didabouttheplaceandthepeople,

andIrealisedhowimportantitisforusalltoknowwhatisgoingoninourownbackyard.Themedical,socialandpoliticalissuesarevastandwhilstIamnotinformedoreducatedenoughinthosematters,injustafewdaysIbecametouchedbythecommunitiesandthepeople.”HerthoughtswereechoedbyJamie

cham,amedicalstudentfromtheUniversityofNewSouthWales.“Thistriphasbeenwonderfulforme

inexpandingmyappreciationofsocial-culturalaspectsofhealthcareandshownmethatIhaveapassionforprovidingconventionalWesternmedicinetodifferentcommunitiesandcultures,”hesaid,immediatelyafteravisittotheNtariaclinicatHermannsburg,130kmfromAliceSprings.“Itbecameapparenttomethatthe

medicinepractisedherewassimilartoanyurbanclinic…butthedifferencewasthateverythingherewasonamuchmoreextremelevel.”ForJillianMccool,amedicalstudentat

FlindersUniversity,oneofthehighlightswasthevisittothePurpleHousecentreinAliceSprings,whichdelivershaemodialysistopeoplewhohavehadtomoveintotownfortreatmentfromoutlyingcommunities.“Asatrainedrenalnurse,itwas

refreshingtoseesucharelaxedenvironmentthathelpstoreducesomeofthebarriersthatpeoplefacewhenaccessingqualityhealthcare,”shesaid.“It’sinstarkcontrasttotheclinical

hospitalenvironmentsinwhichIamso

usedtoseeingpatientswithrenaldisease.”commentsliketheseunderscore

thevalueofprovidingpositiveruralexperiencestohealthstudents.ThecEoofRuralHealthWorkforce

Australia,GregSam,saidforgingaconnectionbetweenhealthstudentsandruralcommunitiesisimportant.“Ruralhealthisafantasticwork-life

opportunityandwewanttosharethatmessagewiththefuturehealthworkforce,”hesaid.“TheGovernmentisalsooffering

incentivessuchasHEcSreimbursementandrelocationpaymentsupto$120,000.Sothere’sneverbeenabettertimetogorural.“Thekeytothiscampaignofcourseis

theinvolvementofourRuralWorkforceAgencies,locatedineverystateandtheNorthernTerritory.Theyareaone-stop-shopforruralhealthcareersbecausetheyhaveextensivecontactswithlocaltrainingproviders,practicesandcommunities.Theycanhelpyoungprofessionalsateverystepoftheirjourney.”Itremainstobeseenhowmanyofthe

eightNTadventurersdecidetotaketheplungeandGoRuraloncetheygraduate,butthelastwordmustgotoSantaTeresadialysispatientDesSmithwhomadehisfeelingsplainaftermeetingthegroupandlearningtheymayreturnonedaytopracticemedicine.“That’sagoodthing,”hesaid.“We’dlike

toseemoredoctorscominghere.”FindoutmoreaboutGoRuralAustralia

atwww.rhwa.org.au/gorural

MedstudentsjumpforjoyafterarrivinginAliceSpringsfortheirGoRuralexperience.PicturedfromleftareclaireMeaton(DeakinUniversity),JillianMccool(Flinders),Marcus

Hall(Monash),MichaelMarginson(ANU),Jamiecham(UNSW),EmilyVandenberg(Flinders),JasminGrazjman(NotreDame)andMichellechen(Flinders).Picture: Diana Carli-Seebohm

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GoRuralcampaigntakesoff

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ThirtyNRHSNRuralHealthclubmembersweregiventheopportunitytoattendtheNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaide8-10April,throughfundingfromconferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS).Thereweremanymorestudentsinattendanceattheconferenceaswellashealthprofessionals,representativesfromserviceproviders,professionalbodies,universitiesandmanymoregivingthestudentstheabilitytoconnect,networkandlearnfrom.Agreatcontributionwasmadeto

theNRHcbytheNRHSNExecutiveandPortfoliomembersbyassistingwithactivitiessuchaspresenting,chairingsessions,scribing,the‘comfortablechairs’session.TheNRHcishostedbytheNational

RuralHealthAlliance.TaraNaige,theJuniorRepresentativeonthe2013NRHSNcommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio,representedtheNRHSNontheNationalRuralHealthAlliances’councilthroughouttheconference.

FrancescaGarnett,2013NRHSNcommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioSeniorRepresentativepresentedtodelegatesonEmerging health professions: an opportunity for rural health.The17priorityrecommendationsthat

cameoutoftheconferencecanbefoundatwww.ruralhealth.org.au.TheNRHchadover1000attendees

andincludedarangeofstakeholders,tradebooths,workshops,concurrentsessions,theSharingShedaswellinteractiveactivitiessuchaslearninghowtojuggleandtheknittingstationforwhenattendeesneededalightheartedbreak.ThisisanexcitingexampleofhowthecoNSfundingassistsNRHSNmemberstobetoattendconferencestheymayotherwisenotbeabletoandtobeapartoftheruralhealthenvironment.AllmembersoftheNRHSNcanapply

forfundingthroughcoNS.Tounderstandtheprocessandtheopportunities,seewww.nrhsn.org.au/cons.

2013 Dates CoNS Application closing date

Discipline Conference

27-28Jul 28/05/2013 Medicine RemoteVocationalTrainingScheme-RemoteMedicalEducationconference

5-6Aug 10/06/2013 All The 14th International Mental Health Conference 2013

26-28Aug 3/07/2013 Medicine LIMEconnection,TheLIME(LeadersinIndigenousMedicalEducation)Network

16-18Sep 22/07/2013 All PublicHealthAssociationAustralia42ndAnnualconference–“Afairgo”forhealth:tacklingphysical,socialandpsychologicalinequality

25-28Sep 30/07/2013 All cRANAplus2013conference-Fromthecradletothegrave

3-5oct 7/08/2013 All HealthProfessionalsHealthconference

16-18oct 20/08/2013 AlliedHealth 10thNationalAlliedHealthconference

17-18oct 21/08/2013 Nursing&Midwifery AustralianNursingandMidwiferyconference

17-19oct 20/08/2013 Medicine GP13,RAcGPconference

20-22oct 26/08/2013 Nursing NationalNursingForum,AustraliancollegeofNursingconference

31oct-2Nov 3/09/2013 Medicine AcRRM-RuralMedicineAustraliaconference

AsamemberofyourRuralHealthclubyouareeligibletoapplyforfundingtoattendaconferencetolearn,networkandevenpresentthroughtheNRHSN’sconferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS)program.Theconferenceneedstohave

anemphasisonhealthwithin

NRHSNmembersattendtheNationalRuralHealthconference

DanFaux,co-chairoftheNRHSNStudentExecutivewiththeHon.Tanya

PlibersekMPattheNRHc.

The2013NRHSNco-chair,DanielFauxandSecretary,JillianFerrellgaveapresentationabouttheNRHSNattheNRHcpre-conferenceworkshopRural Health Management,hostedbytheAustraliancollegeofHealthServiceManagementandFutureHealthLeaders.

Applications are not limited to these events. Submit your application and supporting documentation for consideration.

rural,remoteand/orIndigenouscommunitiesandcanbediscipline-specificorhaveageneralhealthfocus.Allapplicationsmustbesubmittedatleast8weeksbeforetheconferencedatetobeconsidered.In2012therewere68NRHSN

memberswhowerefundedtoattend

19differentconferencesthroughoutAustralia,highlightingtheimportanceanddemandofsuchanopportunity.Don’tmissout–visitwww.nrhsn.

org.au/consforguidelines,informationontheapplicationprocessandapplicationforms.Somesuggestedconferenceinclude:

conferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS)

C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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ThefirstNRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeetingfortheyearwasheldinearlyMarchinMelbourne.AtthismeetingtheinauguralStakeholderEngagementSessionwasheldaspartofanextendedNRHSNExecutiveandPortfoliomeeting.ThismeetingmeantthattheExecutiveandthePortfolioswereabletoplanfortheyeartogetherandfindoutaboutprioritiesandprojectsofalloftheNRHSN’smainstakeholdersasawholegroup.Thestakeholdersthatattendedthisday

NRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeeting

Breathing New Life into General Practice

TheHonTanyaPlibersek,MinisterforHealth,spokeattheGeneralPracticeRegistrarsAustralia(GPRA)conferenceheldinParliamentHouse,canberraon19March.Thespeechfocussedonthreemainareas:generalpracticebeingattheheartofAustralia’shealthsystem;Patient-centredMedicalHomes;andthefindingsoftheHW2025reportandhowthegovernmenthasrespondedtoitsfindingsbyre-establishingthemedicaltrainingpipeline.AfullversionofthespeechisavailabletoreadontheDepartmentofHealthandAgeing’swebsite.

NRHSNcouncilMembersattheMarch2013Face-to-FaceMeetinginMelbourne.

NRHSNPortfolioMembersattheMarch2013Face-to-FaceMeetinginMelbourne.

includedJanineRamsay,AustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN),RodWellington,ServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH),GeriMalone,cRANAplus,JennyJohnson,RuralDoctorsAssociationofAustralia(RDAA),ProfessorAmandaBarnard,FederationofRuralAustralianMedicalEducators(FRAME),JeremySimmons,AustraliancollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine(AcRRM),LaurencordwellandHildegardMostmans,RoyalAustraliancollegeofGeneralPractice(RAcGP),MelissacameronandSharonKosmina,RuralHealthWorkforceAustralia(RHWA).

ThefollowingdaysoftheFace-to-FaceMeetingallowedRuralHealthclubstonetworkandlearnfromeachotheraboutthegreatactivitiesandeventstheyhaveplannedfortheyearaswellashearfromspeakerssuchasBenWallace,HealthWorkforceAustralia,LouAndreatta,AssistantSecretary,HealthWorkforceDivision,AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,DrPieterMourik,AM,SeniorLecturerinobstetrics&GynaecologyattheUNSWRuralclinicalSchoolinAlburyWodongaaswellasLouiseMason,HealthRecruitmentPlus.

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TeeshaDownton(SHARPandAlumnimember)

DuringthefinalyearofmymedicaldegreeIundertooka6weekelectiveplacementinDarwin.IorganisedtheplacementthroughtheFlindersNTMedicalProgramandIwasattachedtothecardiologyteamattheRoyalDarwinHospital.IhadafantasticclinicalexperienceandalsolovedtheopportunityonweekendstoexploresomeofthemostamazingpartsofAustralia.WhileonplacementIjoinedtheward

roundseachmorning,helpedwithjobsontheward(e.g.bloods,cannulas,catheters)andhelpedclerkpatientswhopresentedtotheEmergencyDepartmentwithcardiacsymptomssuchaschestpainorshortnessofbreath.IcardiovertedapatientandobservedothercardiacproceduressuchasexercisestressEcG,transthoracicechocardiography,transoesophagealechocardiography,insertionofapacemaker,coronaryangiography,andpericardiocentesis.Ibecamemoreconfidentatmanagingheartconditionsandatinterpretingtheresultsofcardiacinvestigations.IlistenedtomanyheartmurmursandgainedanunderstandingoftheburdenofrheumaticheartdiseaseamongstAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpatients.Thecardiologyteamwasverybusybutalltheconsultants,registrarsandJMoswerehappytohavemearoundandtoteachontherun.Despitebeingacapitalcity,Darwin

wouldbebetterclassifiedasregionalorruralratherthanmetropolitan.Andtheplacementprovidedmewithan

MyelectiveplacementintheTopEnd

insightintotheimpactofruralityandremotenessonhealthcare.RoyalDarwinHospitalhas~360bedsandisareferralhospitalforthemanysmallcommunitiesacrosstheTopEnd.SomepatientshadtravelledalongwaytogettoDarwin,andsomehadevencomefromDili,EastTimor.Somepatientswereverysick.DuringmyplacementIwasalsoluckyenoughtohitcharideonatinyplaneandvisitoenpelli,aremotecommunityinWestArnhem.Thecardiologyteamregularlyfliestoanumberofsmallcommunitiessuchasoenpelli,Maningrida,andGove,toholdoutreachclinics.Darwinwasagreatplacetoseesometropicalmedicinetoo.ForexampletheinfectiousdiseasemelioidosisisquitecommonintheNTbutisunheardofinmuchoftherestofAustralia.Thereareplentyofbeautifulplacesto

visitintheTopEnd.MyselfandtheotherelectivemedicalstudentswhowereinDarwinatthesametimedidnothavecarswithusbutwereabletousethepublicbustransportsystemtogetfromcharlesDarwinUniversitycasuarinacampus(whereouraccommodationwas),tothehospital,tothecasuarinashops,toDarwincity,andtoalltheMarkets.TogettoLitchfieldNationalPark,KakaduNationalParkandNitmilukNationalParkwehiredcarsandthecostwasquitereasonablewhenwesplitthebillbetweenus.Itwasdefinitelyworthwhilegoingtotheseplaces–therearebeautifulwaterfallsandrockholestoswimin,beautifulsunsetstosee,

andcanoeingonKatherineGorgeisamust.otherplacesinDarwinthatI’drecommendaretheDeckchaircinemasandtheJumpingcrocsatAdelaideRiver.AnotherhighlightofmyplacementinDarwinwasbeingabletocatchupwithSHARPandNRHSNalumniwhoarecurrentlyworkingattheDarwinHospital.Ifyouwanttoseeinterestingmedicine

andhaveafantastictime,IhighlyrecommendundertakingaplacementintheTopEnd.IthoroughlyenjoyedmytimeinDarwinandwhileIamcurrentlyinWaggaWaggaNSWdoingmyinternship,IamconsideringreturningtotheNorthernTerritoryinthefuturetowork.

C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3

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February

04/02/13 TRoHPIQ-HeadsUp

09/02/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearSkillsMorning

09/02/13 TRoHPIQ-SkillsDay1

16/02/13 SATri-clubPlanningDay

19/02/13 FURHS-o-WeekBBQ

22/02/13 NoMAD-BarefootBowls

23/02/13 RUSTIcA-TUMSSMedcampSkillsMorning

25/02/13 RAHMSo-WeekStall

25/02/13 BREAATHHE-UoNo-Week

27/02/13 RUSTIcA-SocietiesDayStall

27/02/13 StARRH-cDUopenDay

27/02/13 TRoHPIQ-NAHWelcomeBBQ

March

01/03/13 KRASH–o-WeekSundowner2013

01/03/13 NRHSNFace-to-FacecouncilMeeting,1-2March2013

07/03/13 cRANc-NetworkingNight

07/03/13 RAHMS-Scholarshipsinformationnight

07/03/13 cRANc-WelcomeNight

08/03/13 MIRAGEWelcomeDrinks

09/03/13 HoPE4HEALTHTheMidnightMuster

09/03/13 TRoHPIQ-SkillsDay2-Ipswich

13/03/13 MIRAGE1stGeneralMeeting

13/03/13 RAHMSBSPinfonight

13/03/13 RAHMSBeginningofyearSocial

14/03/13 RUSTIcA-WelcomeSign-UpLunch

15/03/13 AURHA-firstyeardinner

16/03/13 RAHMSatMedcamp

18/03/13 BREAATHHE-RuralHealthWeek

18/03/13 SPINRPHEX-GetPlastered

18/03/13 SPINRPHEX-GetPlastered

19/03/13 WARRIAHScommencementBBQ

20/03/13 RUSTIcA-HobartclosetheGap

21/03/13 BREAATHHE-closeTheGapDay

21/03/13 RAHMS-closetheGap

21/03/13 RHINo-closetheGapDay

21/03/13 RoUNDS-closetheGapBBQ

21/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid

22/03/13 BREAATHHE-WelcomeFunction

22/03/13 NoMAD-closeTheGapDay

23/03/13 RAHMSandMedSocpresentanIntroductoryTourofSydney

23/03/13 RoUNDS-IGetAround

23/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid

25/03/13 NoMAD-SGM

25/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid

28/03/13 MIRAGEandSUMSPresents...closeTheGapBBQ!

2013RuralHealthclubEventswww.nrhsn.org.au/events

April

04/04/13 WARRIAHS-RHSV

05/04/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearRcSVisit

06/04/13 BREAATHHEculturalAwarenessTraining

10/04/13 RUSTIcA-HobartSkillsNight2013

10/04/13 RHSVcentralWestNSW

13/04/13 BREAATHHEFirstAidcourse#1

13/04/13 TRoHPIQ-RockhamptonTrip

15/04/13 SPINRPHEX-Multi-DNight

17/04/13 RUSTIcA-LauncestonSkillsNight2013

20/04/13 NoMADBellarineTour

20/04/13 TRoHPIQ-NursingSkillsTrainingWeekend

26/04/13 RHINo-Multi-DisciplinarySkillsNight

26/04/13 SPINRPHEX–RuralAppreciationWeek(RAW)

27/04/13 ARMS-closeTheGapceremonyandBushdance

27/04/13 BREAATHHE-FirstAidcourse#2

27/04/13 TRoHPIQ-ToowoombaTrip

27/04/13 WARRIAHS-RuralHealthclubcatchup

28/04/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearLcSVisit

May

02/05/13 RUSTIcA-Agfest2013

04/05/13 BREAATHHE-FirstAidcourse#3

07/05/13 BREAATHHE-SkillsNight

10/05/13 StARRH-InternationalNursesDay

16/05/13 BREAATHHE-SconeAreaRHSV’s

17/05/13 AURHA-DinnerUndertheStars

17/05/13 HARDcAW-HealthandRuralDay-canberra,Albury,Wagga

18/05/13 TRoHPIQ-cherbourgTrip

25/05/13 BREAATHHE-MentalHealthFirstAid

June

21/06/13 RHINo-LauraDanceFestival

29/06/13 TRoHPIQ-WideBayTrip

July

17/07/13 TRoHPIQ-RuralHealthcareersEvening

26/07/13 MARHS-BushBashBall

26/07/13 WARRIAHS-AnnualBall

26/07/13 WARRIAHS-HealthExpo

August

02/08/13 TRoHPIQ-charityDinner

20/08/13 TRoHPIQ-AboriginalHealthInfoNight

September

04/09/13 TRoHPIQ-WomeninRuralMedicineclinicianDinner

october

15/10/13 BREAATHHE-AGM

NHPA report

TheNationalHealthPerformanceAuthority(NHPA)releasedthesecondofitsHealthycommunitiesReportsinMarch2013entitled‘Australians’ experience with primary health care in 2010-11’.Thereportexaminesuse,patientexperiencesandtheperceivedhealthofpopulationslivingineachMedicareLocalareaagainstarangeofindicatorsincludingGPattendances,measureofpatientexperiences,waittimesforGPservicesandafter-hoursGPserviceutilisation.Thereportconfirmsthatwherepeoplelive“has a noticeable impact on whether they will get (GP) care when they need it, within acceptable waiting times, and at a price they can afford”.Visitwww.npha.gov.auformoreinformation.

RuralHighSchoolVisitsRuralHealthclubsrungreatRuralHighSchoolVisits(RHSV)toruralhighschoolsalloverAustralia.WehavebeenupdatingresourcesforRuralhealthclubstousetosupporttheseactivitiesthatencourageruralhighschoolstudentstothinkaboutaruralhealthcareerandhopefullyreturningtotheircommunitytodeliverhealthcareoncetheyhavegraduated.SomeoftheresourcesthatareavailabletoRuralHealthclubsfromtheNRHSNinclude:• Videos• Healthcareerflyers• Mediareleasetemplate• RHSVinfosheet• Activitiesbooklet• Templateletterstoschools• EvaluationformsAndthat’sjusttonameafew!YourRuralHealthclubalsohasaccesstoaRHSVand

IndigenousFestivalsKitthatincludesmedicalequipmentandananatomicalmannequin.TofindoutmoreaboutRHSVsandaccesstheseresourcesgo

towww.nrhsn.org.au/rhsv.

AIHW Medical Workforce report

on23January2013,theAustralianInstituteofHealthandWelfare(AIHW)releasedtheMedicalWorkforce2011report.Themainhighlightofthereportwasasignificantgrowth(18%)inmedicalworkforceinAustraliafrom2007;howeverthiswasnotthecasefortheGeneralPracticeWorkforcewhichonlyexperiencedasmallincreaseof4%between2007and2011.Thereporthassomevaluableinformationonanumberofareasincludingthenumberofwomenintheworkforceandthegrowthofmedicalpractitionertrainingcommencements.Thefullreportisavailabletoreadatwww.aihw.gov.au.

outandaboutwiththeNRHSN

1.SHARP:RuralHealthclubmembersonarecenttriptoGriffith2.KRASH:HallscreekRHSV-TopLeft:AmyBennet,JulesGalliers,DonMain,HamishWatkinsBottomLeft:SashaBailey,KatherineHumphreys,BrittanyDellaBosca,RosedieMilneandEllenPiesse

3.NoMAD:It’sbarefootbowlsinTorquay!SimonHume,DavidKhoo,YasmeanKalam,KateTurnbull,AdrianLuscombe.

4.StARRH:2013Executivecommittee:celiaPulling,JosephDeZylva,FelixHo,DebbieGillon,PawanKoirala,clairechandler

5.MIRAGE:AvisitwithanRFDSplane6.RHUUWS:Year3studentsandplacementandsupportstafffromtheUWSSchoolofMedicineexperiencingrurallifeinBathurst

7.StARRH:cDUo-DayStallfeaturing‘MsMonty’theolivePython8.oUTLooK:MinjungYoo,NatalieKewandEmmaBeavonmakeplastercastsatBendigo’sVibeAliveIndigenouscommunityFestival

9.WAALHIIBEandSPINRPHEX:KelliPorterandcameronWagnerNotreDameo-Day.

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LEAP into RURAL HEALTH

The National Rural Health Students’ Network is supported by financial assistance from the Australian Government.The National Rural Health Students’ Network is proudly managed and supported by Rural Health Workforce Australia.

Rural Health Workforce AustraliaNational Rural Health Students’ NetworkLevel 5, 10 Queens RoadMelbourne Vic 3004 Australia

www.nrhsn.org.auTelephone 03 9860 4700Email: info@nrhsn.org.au

rural health workforce rural health workforce

JOIN THE NRHSN ALUMNI TODAY! IT’S FREE!

JOIN THE NRHSN ALUMNINetwork with medical, nursing and allied health members from across AustraliaShare your experiences with other rural health professionalsReceive and contribute to biannual newsletter Grab the opportunity to speak at eventsHost and mentor current NRHSN members on placements AND MORE …

Alumni Members register online:https://alumni.nrhsn.org.auEmail: alumni@nrhsn.org.au

Photo courtesy: Northern Territory Medicare Local

www.rhwa.org.au

Were you a member of a Rural Health Club?

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