Rural stream

Third year Medical Students with Teaching Staff in Goulburn

There are many opportunities for ANU medical students to complete part of their training rurally at all stages of their degree. All medical students participate in rural week in first year. Students interested in becoming a rural doctor can apply for the rural stream and will be selected via a competitive recruitment process at the end of first year.

Students identified as ‘rural streamers’ complete a significant part of their training in a rural setting. The rural stream is an intensive clinical program, including after hour commitments, during which local academic supervisors will closely monitor the students’ study program and facilitate learning. The rural stream encourages students to get involved in the local community, and experience the diversity of rural medical practice. The Rural Clinical School offers support and expertise from regional academics, hospitals and practices to deliver this program across six (6) locations in SE NSW.

The rural program

Year 1 - Rural week 

All students take part in Rural Week during the first semester where they are immersed in a rural setting.

Year 2 - Clinical skills training

50% of their clinical skills training at Queanbeyan Hospital

Year 3 - Regional placements

  • 40 week placement in ANU regional nodes - Eurobodalla, Bega, Cooma, Cowra, Goulburn, Young
  • Consolidated week-long teaching blocks with fellow rural node students
  • 6 week NT placement opportunity ( selective process available to all students) 

Year 4 - Regional placements

Rural electives available for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine which are in Moruya and Goulburn.

Year 1 - Rural week 

All students take part in Rural Week during the first semester where they are immersed in a rural setting.

Year 2 - Rural week

All students will experience another week in a rural location around NSW

Year 3 - Regional placements

  • 34 week ACT placement and 6 week placement at ANU rural node.
  • 6 week NT placement opportunity ( selective process available to all students).

Year 4 - Regional placements

Rural electives available for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine which are in Moruya and Goulburn.

Australian National University Rural Medical Society (ARMS) »

ARMS is a student-led group operating out of the ANU Medical School. ANU members share a common interest in rural, remote and Indigenous Health, and engage in a variety of activities that aim to broaden students' understanding of rural health issues and encourage participation in rural communities.