VARIETY is the spice of rural health and that's what 34 university students experienced in the Far North Queensland towns of Atherton and Mareeba recently.
They were taking part in Queensland's 10th Joint Rural Health Club Weekend, organised in collaboration with Health Workforce Queensland.
The students tried their hand at stitching wounds, plastering limbs, dealing with diabetic emergencies and much more under the supervision of experienced rural doctors.
In between their clinical sessions at Atherton and Mareeba Hospitals, the students got to enjoy the beauty of the Atherton Tablelands including places like Granite Gorge and Lake Eacham.
"The weekend was an absolutely amazing experience," said Stephen Johnston from James Cook University's RHINO Rural Health Club.
"It gave us the opportunity to connect with like-minded students and health professionals from all over Queensland,” he said.
Other clubs represented were BUSHFIRE (Bond University), HOPE4HEALTH (Griffith University) and TROHPIQ (University of Queensland).
"We're keen to support the next generation of rural health workers and teach some important skills at the same time," Health Workforce Queensland CEO, Chris Mitchell said.
"Hands-on skills give the knowhow to practice confidently in rural settings and may help save someone's life one day,” he said.
“Of course, we're also giving these students an insight into what it takes to work in rural health and how you can have a stimulating career that's full of interest."
Mr Mitchell thanked local doctors for their support, including Dr Andrew McKenzie, Dr Jess Adams, Dr Grant Manypenny and Dr Mark Bestmann.
Health Workforce Queensland belongs to the not-for-profit Network of state and territory Rural Workforce Agencies. It attracts and supports health professionals to work in rural and remote communities.
The agency also supports Queensland's Rural Health Clubs and assists with events such as the Joint Rural Health Club Weekend.
The clubs belong to the National Rural Health Students' Network, which has 9,000 members studying medicine, nursing and allied health.
