Warragul Regional College Aboriginal secondary students get a hands on introduction to careers in rural health
Warragul Regional College Aboriginal secondary students recently gained insights and inspiration about careers in rural health on a visit to Monash Rural Health in Warragul.
Students heard from three inspiring Gippsland local Aboriginal health practitioners - nurse and midwife Tracey Stephens, 2023 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander AASW social worker of the year Brenda McDermott and Aboriginal Liaison Officer from West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Leah Horvath, before engaging in some hands-on clinical activities led by third year Monash medical students.
Students enjoyed interacting with clinical simulation mannequins and learning how to properly do CPR, use an ultrasound machine, and see how medical students learn through simulated emergency situations.
The event aimed to engage with and educate Aboriginal students about the numerous career paths available within rural health. From doctors and nurses to allied health professionals and community health workers, the students gained an understanding of the critical roles they could play in addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals can make a difference.
Lecturer at Monash Rural Health Dr Rochelle Hine is keen to make this an annual event to inspire future Aboriginal rural health professionals.
“Increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals significantly improves access to culturally safe healthcare settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is crucial to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe to continue accessing preventative health care.”
Through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework, Monash Rural Health is committed to creating and maintaining culturally safe environments for students and staff. David Byrnes, Monash Rural Health's Aboriginal Communities Engagement Lead, who oversees the implementation of the Monash Rural Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework, also supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
"By encouraging Aboriginal students to explore this field, we hope to ignite their passion for making a meaningful impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.”
The visit to Monash Rural Health was a resounding success, with students leaving with a newfound appreciation for rural healthcare and the diverse career opportunities it presents. This experience will undoubtedly shape their academic and career paths, encouraging them to consider making a difference in the health and well-being of rural communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.