A new batch of University of Wollongong medical students have marked the 10th anniversary of Phase 3 at Milton Medical Centre.
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Reece Rowbottom, Samuel Wong and Steven Davis began their 12-month placements in the Milton-Ulladulla region this week and have high praise for the welcome they’ve received from local doctors.
“From all the doctors we’ve seen, they’re all so keen to teach. As med students that is the biggest thing,” Mr Davis said.
“So, we’re excited about the opportunity.”
Mr Wong and Mr Davis grew up in Wollongong and Cronulla respectively while Mr Rowbottom hails from the north-west of NSW near Armidale.
Mr Wong said his placement at Milton would provide great insight into life as a rural doctor as he was interested in working as a GP in a rural or isolated area in the future.
“I’ve heard really good things about being here, it’s hands-on, it’s also a big bonus I’m from the coast,” he said.
Mr Davis said he was familiar with the area as he would visit Lake Tabourie during the Christmas holidays while growing up. He will also work out of Ulladulla Medical Clinic during his placement.
The former physical education (PE) teacher was drawn to medicine because of the opportunity to be involved in a person’s life. He hoped to also get involved with local schools to educate about preventative health.
“The beauty of medicine is you can really meet people on the front-line in a position where, yes they need education, but they also need assistance with the particular thing they’re facing,” he said.
“I recognise within the area there’s just so many good opportunities to get involved in the community. One of the things I’d like to do is go into the schools a little, maybe tap into some of the schools and try to do some preventative stuff early on,” he said.
Mr Rowbottom has a sporting background and said he was interested in the field of trauma.
“Being able to put those two together and maybe orthopedics, a few interests there, to be able to bring all that together as your job is pretty cool,” Mr Rowbottom said.
Mr Rowbottom was also looking forward to the hands-on experience a student could receive in Milton.
Milton Medical Centre’s Dr Amanda Venables was one of the first students through the Phase 3 program. Now Dr Venables will be mentoring another eager bunch.
“They’re a part of our medical family and [we want] to ensure they get valuable experience for future medical practice,” Dr Venables said.
Dr Venables, Dr Leesa Osbourne and Dr Matthew Allan all completed Phase 3 in Milton and now work in the region.
