Growing up with a chronic illness in a rural area sparked Maddy's passion for rural pediatrics and the need to address gaps in regional healthcare. Staying local has her to build valuable relationships while remaining close to her support network. Maddy is proud of her involvement in initiatives like the Teddy Bear Hospital, which improves rural children's healthcare experiences through fun, interactive programs.
Meet Maddy
Tell us about your journey into this program.
I came through Graduate Entry where I previously studied the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and La Trobe University in Albury/Wodonga.
What made you apply for the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) program?
As a rural kid with a chronic illness I got to experience first hand the importance of good access to healthcare is to overall health. It really helped foster my absolute passion about all things rural paediatrics. There are so many gaps in regional/rural healthcare that need addressing and I feel passionate about the fact that this programme plays an important part in that, and learning alongside a lot of the people I could be working with in the future is an important privilege. As someone who wants to work rurally and already has roots in this community, it is been really important to me to continue building my networks, relationships, rapports while I study. Staying local also means staying close to my support networks like my wonderful husband, beloved dog and important family and friends. It has given me important insights into the strength of good community and the areas of improvement I can help address to create a healthier, happier community of people.
What have been the highlights of the course so far?
The relationships I've built with my close friends has been an incredible opportunity for me. The clinicians and hospital staff who are so keen to teach and support, making you feel part of the hospital community. The moments where I could be there for my patients in their moments before surgery or periods of being unwell and feeling like I made a difference in their healthcare experience. My involvement with the Teddy Bear Hospital has been something I'm really grateful and proud of, introducing new primary school programs, returning to the Shepparton Show and working towards brining more events to improve the rural kids' experience with healthcare in a fun and interactive way
What advice would you give to other students considering applying for the course?
Get into your communities, find out what you like and what makes you passionate. Figuring out what drives you is an important way to motivate you through the more challenging aspects of medicine, And it's okay if that driving force changes over time. Be kind and patient with yourself, it's a journey and everyone's looks different, run your own race.