Academic year commences: Medicine students Tim Duff and Kiera Howell with Professor of Medicine and Rural Department of Health head Julian Wright.
Class is now in session for Shepparton’s first cohort of medical students, who commenced at the University of Melbourne campus on Monday, January 31.
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The group of 27 students had their first classes before gathering for a commemorative photo.
Professor of Medicine and Rural Department of Health head Julian Wright said while there had been some logistical issues regarding teaching classes such as anatomy, it was a smooth start.
“We’ve got a brand new, purpose-built teaching and learning facility, which will be opening in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
“And there has been some logistical challenges, but all the equipment’s been purchased and we’re raring to go now.”
Prof Wright said the first day of classes was a milestone for Shepparton and the campus itself as it continues to grow.
“It’s a great day for us to expand our student numbers,” he said.
“Previously, we’ve (offered) the second, third or fourth clinical years, but today is the first time we’re doing the whole four years of the course.”
Tim Duff is originally from Swan Hill, and is one of the students who started studying medicine on Monday.
New cohort: The first class of medicine students studying in Shepparton with Professor Wright.
He said he was excited to be beginning the course with a group of like-minded people.
“We’ve all gotten along really well so far and I’m really excited for the next four years together,” Mr Duff said.
Benalla’s Kiera Howell returned to the area to study and said she had approached the move with “new eyes”.
“I’m now exploring (the area) with people I’m going to be spending a lot of time with,” she said.
And by all accounts, the intense workload has already started piling up.
“We’re definitely jumping straight in but it seems like we’re going to have so much support throughout the next few years,” Ms Howell said.
The regional course hopes to entice young doctors back to regional areas by appealing to students who want to stay rural.
Graduates of the four-year post-graduate degree must complete three years of work in a recognised rural area.
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