Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine: graduate entry

“Nearing the end of my Biomedical Science degree, characterised by the stress of medical school applications and interview preparation, I realised that I needed to carefully consider what I wanted to get out of this next phase in my academic career. As fate would have it, the Faculty had organised a seminar promoting its new End-to-End Rural Cohort stream of the graduate entry medicine course.

What excited me about the program was the opportunity to learn medicine in a challenging environment surrounded by exceptional like-minded people. Additionally, the smaller cohort size and the virtually unlimited patient time sold me on the program and I have not been disappointed.

From the very beginning of my time in Mildura, the sense of community among the staff and students has been a clear highlight. The mentorship provided to us by the senior students and the support provided to us by staff has been something that I have not experienced before. Going from the huge cohort size of my undergraduate degree to the small cohort of Mildura, I definitely feel like I am treated more as an individual rather than just a number. Another benefit of the small cohort size is the increased patient contact and access to the clinical environment. Often, I have been the only third year student assigned to the team, which allowed the team to understand my ability and take an active interest in my development as a doctor.

The pace of life in Mildura is definitely characteristic of rural Australia. It has been a nice contrast to go from the busy hustle of the hospital to the stillness of the weekly farmers markets. I have enjoyed taking my motorbike out to explore places like Junction Island (where the Darling and Murray rivers mix), the windy roads of the Spider’s Web and canoeing in the wetlands around the Murray. I have also enjoyed volunteering with Teddy Bear Hospital, the Mini Medicine Academy Day program (engaging with secondary school students interested in careers in health) and training with the Mildura State Emergency Service unit.

Before applying, it is important to sit down and determine what you want to get out of your medical degree.

We all walk out with the same qualification, what distinguishes us are the experiences we have and the skills that we develop. Doing your clinical placement rurally, you will get the opportunity to experience medicine in a resource limited environment and hone the foundational skills of medicine. Even if you end up practising in the city, these experiences are invaluable. Going rural inevitably comes with personal challenges, being away from family and friends isn’t easy; however, the skills you learn from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and the sense of achievement you gain from conquering these challenges are worthy rewards.”

Learn more about the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

Learn more about the End-to-End Rural Cohort