New cohort of medical students gain valuable experience in Karratha

A new cohort of medical students from Karratha’s Rural Clinical School of WA will be putting their skills to the test as they undertake valuable training in the Pilbara.

Seven students from the University of WA and Curtin University have been placed in Karratha as part of the school’s year-long program that is taken in the second last year of their medical degree.

The program places medical students in one of 15 country sites to experience regional towns across WA whilst gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings with doctors, medical professionals and local academic staff.

“One of the main goals of the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia is to embed students in rural communities with the intent that when they graduate, they choose to become rural doctors,” academic services officer Lehna McLean said.

“We aim to provide positive rural experiences which encourages their return as doctors once they graduate.”

The students have so far spoken highly of their placements, spending time in Karratha Hospital, Roebourne Hospital, Mawarnkarra Health Service and Onslow Hospital.

Medical student Jade Musitano said as someone who grew up locally, it as been her goal to relocate to Karratha and pursue rural medicine as a way to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

“I have experienced firsthand the challenges faced as a rural patient in Karratha, such as struggling to book timely appointments due to a lack of local GPs, and having to take time off from school/work to attend appointments in Perth,” she said.

“It was these experiences that led me to follow the pathway to becoming a doctor, and I am excited to continue my training to hopefully one day be able to move back to Karratha as soon as I am able.”

Ms Musitano said she has loved being back in the Pilbara, reconnecting with old friends and spending more time with my family who reside in Wickham, after a long time of separation due to her studies in Perth.

“The doctors I have worked with have been so supportive and encouraging about my goals to return, so I am hoping that there will be an opportunity for me to become a full-time, residential doctor after graduation,” she said.