Narrabri Hospital and other medical facilities and practitioners in the shire are hosting visiting medical student Nicola Peat for the next two weeks.
Nicola is here as a participant in the NSW Rural Doctors’ scheme which introduces medical students to country life, and hopefully, a future country practice when they complete their training.
Narrabri Shire Council is a long term supporter of the Bush Bursary Scholarship scheme which provides NSW medical students with a $3000 scholarship for one year to experience country life.
Students spend two weeks in a country area.
This year, first year Notre Dame university medical student Nicola Peat has been welcomed to Narrabri shire.
Nicola, originally from Auckland where her parents are both doctors, drove to Narrabri from Sydney on what was one of our hottest days ever.
However, Nicola was undaunted by the heat and launched into her fortnight’s ‘work experience’ with a visit to Narrabri Hospital on Monday, and Wee Waa Medical Centre on Tuesday.
Nicola will spend time at a range of local medical facilities including medical practitioners’ rooms and community health centres in the three major towns of the shire plus a trip to Pilliga.
The Bush Bursary Scheme is an annual initiative of the Country Women’s association and the NSW Rural Doctors’ Network, supported by local councils.
This year 16 councils are taking part.
Nicola was introduced to the shire medical scene by the council’s community development officer Jasmine Offerman.