Monash University’s School of Rural Health recently welcomed 11 Monash medical students starting their clinical placements in South Gippsland and Bass Coast this semester.
Final year medical students will complete a series of rotations at Gippsland Southern Health Service and Bass Coast Health. Those at Bass Coast Health will complete rotations in aged care, medicine, emergency and surgery, and have the exciting opportunity to learn and work in the newly expanded Wonthaggi Hospital.
Additionally, six fourth-year Monash University medical students will get a taste of life as a rural GP. These students will work alongside local GPs at practices in Leongatha, Korumburra and Wonthaggi over the next 18 weeks.
Monash Rural Health academic coordinator Jennie Casey said the students will participate in wave or parallel consulting while on general practice placement.
“Our students will see the patient for the first part of the consultation, and are then joined by the GP for the conclusion. This gives medical students the unique opportunity to develop a rapport, take histories and put their skills into practice in a safe environment,” she said.
Director of Monash Rural Health Gippsland, Associate Professor Cathy Haigh encourages locals to help the students feel at home during their placement.
“We hope the South Gippsland and Bass Coast communities will give our students a warm welcome, share their local tips and show them what we have to offer here,” she said.
Monash Rural Health has six teaching sites across Gippsland, delivering Monash’s internationally recognised medical program, as well as providing support for nursing and allied health students on placement within the region.
27 Monash medical students recently started their clinical placements in Sale, based at Central Gippsland Health Service.
