Inspiring local high school students to pursue medical careers

More than 100 Central Queensland and Wide Bay high school students swapped their class schedules for clinical simulations in October, when they partook in the half day medical education program “Destination Doctor.”

The events were delivered as part of the Regional Medical Pathway, a collaboration between CQUniversity Australia, Rural Clinical School (RCS) and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. 

The program held in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Emerald has been specifically designed for Year 10 students considering a career in medicine, and gives them hands-on learning experiences, while being guided and mentored by doctors, medical staff, and current students from the Regional Medical Pathway Program. 

Students participated in a series of activities including blood typing, CPR, ECG, airway management and anatomy.

Sterling - Year 10 high school student

“My dad is a paramedic, so being in the medical job has given me a jump start to pursing a medical career."

“The experience has opened my eyes to the possibilities and has confirmed my desires to work towards a career in medicine.”

Associate Professor Sneha Kirubakaran

Head, UQ Regional Training Hub Central Queensland

“These events help students plan, dream and envision a potential future in medicine.

“Offering these types of clinical experiences to regional and rural high school students helps lessen the disparities in opportunities available to urban schools.

“We know that to build a future regional rural medical workforce, one of the key ingredients is locals from the community.

“High school students interested in medicine, who have already had an experience of living, working and socialising in a rural or regional setting are more likely stay working in regional and rural settings.

“It’s so important to inspire these kids, and let them know that they can be part of the solution to our workforce shortage.”