The Local Health Medical Trust and the Barham community are excited to welcome two medical students for the next two weeks, practising between the Multipurpose Centre, Murray Haven, Dorevitch Pathology, Rivergum Podiatry, community health, local x-ray and child, youth and family nurse services.

Funded by the Murray River Council and administered by the NSW Rural Doctors Network (NSWRDN), Jake Wapple and Daniel Koutoulogenis, both from the University of Wollongong are currently studying second and third-year postgraduate courses respectively. 

The medical students can undertake their placement due to Bush Bursaries, a program that works in collaboration with NSWRDN, Country Women’s Association (CWA), and the local council, to allow students to experience both the clinical aspects of health care and the social/lifestyle aspects.

Having both come from the hustle and bustle of the biggest cities in Australia, Jake and Daniel relish the quieter way of living, with Barham already welcoming them with open arms. Surprised by the relatively short drive to Melbourne, they are already discussing the possibility of a future in Barham once studies are completed.

Daniel explains:

“The slower pace lifestyle and the sense of community makes being here a pleasure. You know everyone who walks through the door, and you feel like you belong. Barham would be a great place to live.”

Jake agrees.

“Yes, that’s something we’re not used to, and it’s so nice to see. Barham has everything you could want, and considering it’s only 3 hours to Melbourne if you need to get to the city, it makes living here so convenient.”

Over the next couple of weeks, the medical students look forward to taking a closer look at the river with some boat trips planned with the locals, as well as a bit of running along the picturesque walking tracks. 

When asked if they had any tips for high school students considering a career in the medical field, they not only suggested studying hard but also seeking support from local practices and allied services.

“Shadowing a doctor or nurse can be a really, effective way of working out if it’s the industry for you if that’s a possibility,” Daniel indicates, “it can give you a bit more of a perspective on what’s involved in medicine and to show you what is possible at the end of your studies.”

Jake and Daniel look forward to getting to know our friendly locals, and we wish them the very best in their studies.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 18 January 2024.