Rural Clinical School expands medical education in Echuca

Echuca is set to become a hub for medical education, thanks to a new Rural Clinical School campus from the Department of Rural Health.

Robyn Lindsay, CEO Echuca, Regional Health, Dr Evan Goh, Deputy Director of Medical Student Education (Echuca), Dr Annemarie Newth, Executive Director of Medical Services, Echuca Regional Health, Professor Julian Wright, Head of Department, Department of Rural Health and Uncle Des Morgan

Pictured: Robyn Lindsay, CEO Echuca Regional Health, Dr Evan Goh, Deputy Director Medical Student Education Echuca, University of Melbourne, Annemarie Newth, Executive Director Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer Echuca Regional Health, Professor Julian Wright, Head of Department, Department of Rural Health University of Melbourne and Yorta Yorta Elder, Uncle Des Morgan.

The new campus will enable postgraduate medicine students to complete their second-year studies in the region, marking a significant expansion of educational opportunities.

The Department of Rural Health education hub, which officially launched on Monday 3 February, has broadened its scope beyond supporting third and fourth-year students. The newly expanded facility offers enhanced space and resources for students to learn and practice while immersing themselves in the Echuca community.

Starting in 2025, a cohort of 11 second-, third-, and fourth-year students will study the Doctor of Medicine at Echuca. Clinical training will be conducted at Echuca Regional Health, providing students with hands-on experience in a rural healthcare setting.

Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Des Morgan delivered a Welcome to Country, followed by opening speeches from Professor Julian Wright, Head of the Department of Rural Health, and Annemarie Newth, Echuca Regional Health Chief Medical Officer.

Professor Julian Wright, Head of the Department of Rural Health, shared the importance of this partnership in fostering future medical professionals.

This expansion is a step forward in addressing rural workforce challenges, with research showing medical students who train in rural areas are more likely to practice rurally after graduation.