Rural vocation just what the doctor ordered

HEIDI Annand always had her sights set on a career in rural health so when the opportunity to study medicine in Swan Hill became available, she signed up.

Originally from Bathurst in New South Wales, Ms Annand understood the difficulties faced by people in the country when it came to medical services.

Now a fourth-year medical student, she hopes she can be part of the solution to a shortage of specialised practitioners in regional and rural Australia.

“Growing up in Bathurst, I was aware of how difficult it could be for people to get access to health services without expense or having to travel,” she said.

“When my mum had a stroke, it really hit home how disadvantaged some people can be.

“Mum was airlifted to Sydney, and we had to stay with family there, we were lucky to have that option.

“For others it can be quite expensive having to use hotels, buying meals, transport costs, and even having to take time off work.

“That was a major part of my decision to study medicine and bring that knowledge back to regional and rural locations.”

Ms Annand, who studies through Charles Sturt University, moved to Swan Hill at the start of 2023.

She is one of 14 medical students from Charles Sturt and Monash universities studying with Swan Hill District Health.

She will soon complete a 20-week placement in Deniliquin, and has had a chance to work with general practitioners in Swan Hill who also work in hospitals.

“Swan Hill really fit the bill for that kind of placement as the GPs are often also working in the hospital,” she said.

“Having access to the Community University Centre (CUC) in Swan Hill has been a huge asset for me with my studies.

“I tend to study five days per week in bursts and occasionally will do a whole day there.

“Study placements are often unpaid so there is a financial burden associated. CUC has been a huge support in providing me with great quality resources that I don’t have to pay for.

“While I am away from university and doing my practical work, it is nice to be around the centre and I would have struggled with some aspects of my studies this year if not for the centre.

“It’s great having a dedicated quiet study space with big computer screens and fast internet and not having to use my beat-up laptop.

“Not having to pay for heating in the winter or air-conditioning in the summer is a huge bonus too.”

CUC Mallee opened this year and is designed to give local students the opportunity to study while remaining at home and to also attract learners from other areas to the Mallee.

“I’ve been seeing the same people there lately so we’re starting to interact and have a chat which is nice,” she said.

“I’m also meeting other people who work at the hospital who I didn’t realise were studying.”

Ms Annand hopes to work as a specialised GP focusing on obstetrics which requires a further two to three years study after she completes her five-year degree and a further two-year internship.

Soon she will spend time at Kerang hospital, Melbourne, and then she’s off to Albury for an internship.

The good news is she could end up back in Swan Hill as her partner is a farmer from Wood Wood.

“We will always have a connection to the area and would love to settle in Swan Hill but with medicine, you really get carried to where the wind takes you, especially if you want to specialise,” she said.

“Swan Hill District Health has been very supportive but at this time are not able to provide the supervision I require while doing my internship, but they are working on that, so in future it will likely be an option for students.”