Doctor of medicine student on the mutual benefits of learning in Griffith

If you’ve noticed a lot of medical students in Griffith lately, it’s not by chance.

The NSW Government has partnered with universities and hospitals to attract more aspiring doctors to regional towns, helping to address the chronic shortage of GPs and other specialists.

Griffith is currently hosting 16 medical students doing clinical rotations in town while studying at the remote learning facility Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina.

One of them is Charles Sturt University student Jessica Hu, 32, who has discovered how a placement in the Riverina can benefit students as much as the community that welcomes them. Region caught up with her to find out more.

How did you end up studying in Griffith?

As part of my studies, we do three years of clinical rotations, where we follow doctors, shadow medical teams, see patients, take their history and that sort of thing.

We have a choice of going to towns such as Bathurst, Swan Hill, Orange, Wagga and Griffith.

Although I didn’t choose Griffith as my first preference, it’s turned out to be one of the best placements.

What are the benefits of doing a clinical rotation in this town?

I’ve always asked other medical students from other universities, why have you chosen to come to Griffith? They all said it’s because you get better hands-on clinical experience, you get to approach consultants more than you do in metropolitan areas. You learn a lot here compared to being in a city.

I would encourage people to come here and experience a close-knit community. You get along with patients as if you’re their friends; you see them down the street and say hi; they might even by in your church or community group. Everyone is very relatable and approachable. It makes your life easier and more laid-back.

Did Griffith surprise you at all?

Yes, it’s quite multicultural; there are a lot of different places to eat compared to a lot of the other regional towns. It’s also not as cold as other places like Bathurst.

Though it is quite distant from family, it’s a long trip to Sydney.

Does having the Country Universities Centre here help?

Yes, definitely. It’s a really good space for people to come. Even in Sydney, I wouldn’t be able to find a library with all these facilities.

They’ve got computers, monitors, tea, coffee, everything they need.

You also get that connection with the medical world; there are a lot of students from other universities who also use these facilities.

Outside of your studies, what else do you do?

I play badminton and I’m going to a local church.

What would you like to do after you graduate?

I’d like to be a GP with advanced training in either anaesthetics, ED or obstetrics. Down the track I might want to open my own clinic.