Welcoming new faces: Notre Dame medical students join Ballarat Rural Clinical School

7 Feb 2024

Since its inception in 2011, The Ballarat Rural Clinical School offers students a blend of clinical exposure and academic learning in a regional setting. To date, the school has seen a total of 170 full-time students and 288 Melbourne Clinical School students rotate through its campus for short-term placements. This blend of students from different backgrounds enriches the learning environment and fosters a community of collaborative and diversified medical professionals.

In 2024, eight students from Melbourne and six from Sydney will complete their final year of their Medical Doctor (MD) program at the Ballarat Rural Clinical School. As part of their final year, the students will engage in clinical placements at St John of God Ballarat Hospital and local medical practices. This hands-on experience is invaluable and enables them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations under the guidance of experienced health care professionals. It is a critical step in their transition from medical students to junior doctors, set to commence in 2025.

Dr Andrew Dean, Head of Ballarat Rural Clinical School and Emergency Department doctor at St John of God Ballarat Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm for the incoming cohort.

"We are delighted to welcome these dedicated students to Ballarat. It is an opportunity for them to learn and grow in a supportive, hands-on environment,” he said.

“We are committed to preparing them not just as medical professionals, but as compassionate caregivers who understand the diverse needs of regional communities."

The arrival of new students each year brings fresh perspectives and energy to our hospital and the Ballarat community. It reinforces our commitment to excellence in medical education and patient care, ensuring that the future of health care is in capable and caring hands.