An insight for future doctor

As a SHARP representative, Hannah volunteered to visit Finley High School during her time in the region, providing interested students with further knowledge about different medical careers available, which the students found very worthwhile.

She also spent time with medical practices in Tocumwal, Finley and Berrigan, went on a ride-along with the NSW Ambulance and met up with first responders while in Tocumwal.

Highpoints for Hannah included working closely with nurses, firstly at Rao Medical Clinic Tocumwal, then Community Health and the Child and Family Health nurse program.

She also enjoyed spending a day with staff at Centacare in Finley and the Finley Vet Clinic.

Mayor Matt Hannan also gave the student an insight into community health initiatives, such as the Finley Community Gym.

‘‘I was pleased to be able to catch up with Hannah, to explain the benefits of living in a small community, highlighting the collaboration between our hospitals, medical practitioners and allied health services, and explain the many health initiatives we have in our region,’’ he said.

Hannah said she also had the opportunity to experience the country lifestyle in the Southern Riverina.

‘‘I loved touring each of the towns, and being introduced to the communities and facilities of Berrigan Shire,’’ she said.

‘‘I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, and given the opportunity to go for a flight over the region at the end of one of my placement days.’’

Berrigan Shire Council, along with around 20 other NSW rural councils and the Country Women’s Association (CWA), provide selected medical students in NSW/ACT with $3000 each to assist with study costs, via the Bush Bursary Program administered by the NSW Rural Doctors Network.

In return for the bursary, students spend two weeks on a rural placement in country NSW during university holidays.