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Our Top Tips for Going Rural

Be it a week, a month or a year, here are some tips for your upcoming rural placement

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  1. Do some research on your town and its surrounds before you go so you have some ideas about the activities and opportunities available.

  2. Join a club so you can continue your hobbies (or even find new ones) and make connections within your community.

  3. Make sure you keep in contact regularly with loved ones. Travel home when you need to, even if it means you will have to miss a day or two of placement

  4. Try to be placed with a good friend or someone who you can support and will support you back.

  5. Don’t waste time comparing your experiences with that of city kids. Both experiences with be good for different reasons. Getting frustrated because you won’t see the latest neurosurgery is pointless.

  6. That said, always take advantage of the opportunity to use an otoscope, dermatoscope and manual blood pressure machine. You can never have too much practice!

  7. Don’t forget to make use of handy online tools:

  8. Make sure that your mobile network is compatible with where you are going. Telstra has the most extensive coverage in rural and remote Australia. It is also a good idea to invest in an internet dongle if your local hospital does not have Wifi available.

  9. Finally, some packing advice! Bring a power board and a few of your own cooking utensils, pots and pans. Shared facilities may not have everything that you normally like to use.

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What To Expect When Heading Rural

Below is a list of some of the great things about rural placements and some of the more challenging things.

 

  • People in the country are very friendly, just ask around the hospital for things to do in town, and ask patients - people love to tell you about where they live

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  • In most hospitals and GP land everybody knows everybody in town

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  • In rural communities general practice is all about continuity of care and doctors will often see whole families and generations, and people that routinely visit.

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  • One thing to remember is that shops don’t open late and sometimes not on weekends (so don’t plan any super late shopping!)

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  • Rural communities and medicine will provide you with opportunities that you won’t get in the cities

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  • 'Straya is a big country, and rurally lots of people drive long distances for work and play (and you may have to as well)

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  • Zoos! Empty beaches! Wildlife! Amazing scenery!

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  • If you’re finding your own place to rent while on placement it will be cheap  (or find a room on AirBnB or Flatmates.com)

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  • Independence - in hospitals and general practices, you’ll find that you are given a lot of independence (but don’t forget to always check in with staff to double check if what you’re doing is ok)

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  • Hidden gems - nice cafes, bars & shops - ask the locals, they’ll let you know where to dine

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  • You may feel isolated so it is good to look up sports, walks, markets, groups, charities, churches and and organisations before you go, especially if your placement is longer.

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  • There are often lots of community events on in your town or a neighbouring one, so check them out and get involved! -

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  • Some practitioners/practices are under a lot of time constraints so be grateful for their time (but don’t just sit in the corner, ask to help out)

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  • Get to know the practice staff and be friendly and you will get more opportunities

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  • People like to chat everywhere - so if you need help or directions don’t hesitate to ask someone

 

For more great info, there are a few great guides out there to get you started ...

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