Rural Medical Pathway program graduate Nina Sullivan, from Kyabram.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The first 10 doctors to emerge from Victoria’s highly competitive Rural Medical Pathway program are preparing to take up positions in regional hospitals — marking a major step in addressing the persistent shortage of medical professionals outside metropolitan areas.
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After seven years of study and hands-on clinical training embedded entirely in regional communities, the graduates say the program not only shaped their medical careers but affirmed their determination to serve rural Victoria.
For Kyabram local Nina Sullivan, the pathway was a lifeline to a future she had dreamed about since she was 14.
“I didn’t really want to go interstate, and it was a great option to stay close to home,” she said.
“I don’t think I would choose any other pathway if I could. This was perfect for me.”
Nina spent her undergraduate years at La Trobe University in Bendigo before moving through the University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) program in Shepparton and Wangaratta.
She’ll begin her internship in Wangaratta next year, with long-term aspirations in generalist medicine and possibly palliative care.
She says the support that came with studying rurally was life-changing.
“I think being rural meant we had a lot more support compared to metro students. We got a lot more one-on-one, especially during COVID, it was so much easier to get the support we needed,” she said.
Her classmates represent regional communities across Victoria and NSW, all selected from hundreds of applicants for just 15 coveted places in the program’s first stage — a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) at La Trobe’s Bendigo or Albury-Wodonga campuses.
Successful students then progress directly into the University of Melbourne’s MD program in Shepparton, where they complete all clinical placements in regional settings.
“These graduates are not only highly skilled but deeply committed to improving health outcomes in rural and regional areas,” La Trobe Provost Professor Robert Pike said.
“This is what’s possible when universities collaborate to meet the needs of communities.”
University of Melbourne Provost Professor Jane Gunn said the first cohort had already proven the value of training doctors where they were most needed.
“They’re going to be exceptional doctors,” she said.
“Students who come from regional postcodes and study the whole way regionally are far more likely to stay — and we’re already seeing that take shape.”
La Trobe Provost Professor Robert Pike and University of Melbourne Provost Professor Jane Gunn.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Many people were in attendance to celebrate the Rural Medical Pathway students of La Trobe.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
