East Gippsland medical scholarship awarded to student focussed on supporting the Gippsland community
This year's recipient of the East Gippsland Medical Scholarship is fourth year Monash Medicine student Daniel Patchett, a Gippslander who is strongly committed to supporting the Gippsland community in his career.
Daniel grew up in Maffra before moving to Ethiopia for 3 years, followed by Warragul and Melbourne for university studies. Daniel studied at the Chairo Christian School in Drouin and has four siblings, two of whom were adopted from Ethiopia. Daniel is also involved in sport in the community.
“I currently play soccer for the Drouin Dragons, and hope to be involved in local sport for as long as possible.”
Daniels career ambitions have been shaped by a goal to live and work rurally, likely in Gippsland as a Rural Generalist.
“..this allows clinicians to practice as GPs in addition to having a 'subspecialty'. The diversity of general practice appeals to me, and I have a developing interest in anaesthetics.”
Daniel sees the scholarship will give him the ability to pursue opportunities that he would otherwise miss.
“I usually work over the university breaks, but now I'm hoping to instead obtain additional experience in anaesthetics and perhaps participate in a research project over the summer. In other words, the scholarship will allow me to better prepare myself for a career working as a rural doctor.”
Daniel joined the Monash graduate entry medical program largely because Monash offered the opportunity to undertake placements in Gippsland, where he wishes to live and work in the future.
“Thinking long term, Gippsland needs rural practitioners who stick around for the long haul, improving continuity of care and therefore patient outcomes. I want to create practical change in the lives of others and be able to see the change I have helped bring about.
This year, I hope to develop more independence as a medical practitioner and gain more experience in my areas of interest: Rural General Practice and Anaesthetics. My clinical placement in East Gippsland will hopefully help facilitate this.”
The East Gippsland Medical Scholarship is funded by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), to recognise students studying medicine who have demonstrated a commitment to health in the Wellington and East Gippsland Shire. The Gippsland Regional Training Hub will be hosting a lunch shortly for RWAV and Monash Rural Health Head of School, Professor Shane Bullock to present Daniel with a certificate. Daniel was very grateful for this support.
“Thank you for your support, it means a lot. Also, thank you for your commitment to rural healthcare in East Gippsland (as someone who grew up in Maffra).
Find out more information about the East Gippsland Medical Scholarship.