Dreams of becoming a doctor without having to relocate to a major city for study is now achievable for local students.

The introduction of University of Sydney’s four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Dubbo follows years of research that those who train in rural and regional areas develop a love of rural medicine and ties to the community and so are more likely to practice in rural medicine in the long run.

Professor Catherine Hawke, Head of the University’s Rural Clinical School, said: “It’s fantastic to see the growth of the school in Dubbo and an increasing number of students from our region.”

Two Western Plains locals taking up the challenge are Adrian Anderson from Narromine and Helen Smith from Coonabarabran.

A mature age student and qualified pharmacist, Ms Smith said she was Inspired and encouraged into study by local General Practitioners Drs Kerrie Stewart and Aniello Iannuzzi, and moved to Dubbo with the intention to study medicine.

"Studying medicine was always the dream, but with a family, a move to a city was not possible until I heard about the program at Dubbo," she said.

Now a first-year student, Helen will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on the newly redeveloped Dubbo Hospital.

Already a health professional, Helen said she has a keen love for learning and is looking forward to immersing herself in study and the camaraderie that goes with a small cohort of just twenty-six students.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support of my friends, family and the local community. I have loved how enthusiastic and encouraging my patients have been when I’ve told them I’m off to study medicine. We all know we need more rural doctors and I’m so excited that one day I might be able to help,” she said.

Trainee doctor Helen Smith from Coonabarabran. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Already a trained paramedic, Adrian Anderson from Narromine has also recently embarked on his journey to becoming a doctor also and returned to Dubbo 18 months ago to be closer to family and to work as a paramedic with NSW Ambulance.

Adrian said he was attracted to the rural focus of the program, the opportunity to study where he has grown up and the small cohort size which offers a more personalised study experience with more face-to-face time with clinicians and tutors.

“I have been working as a paramedic for a while now and wanted to further the care I can provide for patients," Mr Anderson said.

"I don’t think I can single-handedly solve the rural doctor shortage, but I want to do my bit to improve the access of country people to medical services.

"I have been watching the development of the full four-year program at Dubbo and saw it as a fantastic opportunity to pursue the dream,” said Adrian.

Adrian is passionate about developing skills to meet the needs of rural communities and has been encouraged by support from his managers, colleagues and his wife and parents on his decision to go back to study, as well as Dr Andy Caldin at Narromine Hospital, who has provided advice and been very supportive of his decision to study medicine.

Doctor in training at Dubbo, Adrian Anderson of Narromine. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Adrian and Helen are part of the second cohort of students in the Dubbo Stream and will receive the same world-class medical education as their peers in Sydney, with the added benefits of living and studying in a regional location while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice. 

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds. 

For more information on studying medicine in Dubbo visit here.