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We have a number of new subscribers for this issue, including a number of First Year students who are completing some of our #VirtuallyRural activities in place of their Medicine in the Community requirements - welcome all! You can catch up on what we have been up to in our Past Issues.
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In this issue read about our collaboration with the Rural Doctors Network for RuralUP students, a report on a recent trip to Broken Hill by some of our team and our Bathurst students in the media.
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Last issue, I mentioned we have been working with the Rural Doctors Network (RDN) on a plan to connect students with practitioners 'virtually' at this time when we can't travel physically. As part of this collaboration, I've recently had the pleasure of speaking with:
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- Kirbie Storrier (pictured) who is currently an intern at Dubbo Base Hospital, and has previously done a placement in Lithgow Hospital and
- Kate Fessey, the Public Relations and Health Communications Manager for the Rural Flying Doctor Service.
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Listen to our conversations on the RuralUP YouTube Channel. Students can collect points for listening to the interviews and submitting a 'Virtually Rural Activity Record' through the RuralUP Tracker.
The team at RDN and the interviewees have been so generous with their time and support for this initiative. My sincere thanks goes to them.
 Finally, to get news first, make sure you follow us on Facebook.
- Wendy, Rural Student Support Officer
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Despite how busy students are at the moment, there continues to be a flurry of activity in the RuralUP Tracker which is really pleasing.
Here is a wonderful example of peer-to-peer learning. In this submission, a Third Year student reflects on an interview with a Fourth Year student:
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"It was quite interesting to hear that Sophie was able to see first-hand the differences in chronic health diseases between metropolitan and rural communities and the determinants behind them, including access to fresh food and distance.
It can be hard for students from metropolitan areas to appreciate these differences so hearing how her perspective on these towns was changed by her personal experience was quite refreshing.
It has shown me the breath of rural practice, in that it is not only encompasses improving the health of a community but also engaging with all its aspects.
I also will be more aware of the need for cultural understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal populations within rural communities."
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Our fabulous Fifth Year students on placement at the Bathurst Rural Clinical School have been acknowledged in the local newspaper for stepping up to assist if there is a large outbreak of COVID-19 in the area.
The students have undertaken intensive training as pre-interns, which means that they can be placed as Assistants in Medicine in the hospital if needed.
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BROKEN HILL AND BACK, WITH SOME OF OUR RURAL TEAM
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Last month, three members of our team travelled to Broken Hill as part of a project to evaluate the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP). The MHNIP places mental health nurses in rural and remote locations where they are available for referrals from rural GPs and other services.
Rural Health Researcher Jannine and Rural IT Support Officer Herman (who lived in Broken Hill in the 80’s) drove from Bathurst to Dubbo then flew to Broken Hill. There, they met fellow researcher Krista who had flown directly from Sydney.
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The team met with a wide range of staff from the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS Control Room pictured below), as well as many GPs from the Super Clinic. The overwhelming feedback was how highly the community valued this program. The interviews revealed there is a strong demand for mental health support and having a specialised service where GPs could refer patients was greatly appreciated.
The team had the opportunity to visit the Living Desert and Sculpture Reserve and Silverton, which turned into quite an adventure when the road back was closed due to flash flooding – in the desert!
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The MHNIP spans a wide geographic area. Interviews in the remaining areas are being conducted now by Zoom and telephone and preliminary findings will be available at the end of this month.
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STAYING MOTIVATED AT HOME
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Now that many of us are working and studying predominantly from home, motivation can be a challenge. Adapting to change can be difficult enough. Added to that are restrictions on our movement outside the home, not to mention the lure of the couch / a book / the fridge / social media and more...
Here are a few tips to help in these circumstances:
1. Get into a routine
At this time, you may have more flexibility around when you do your work. It is still a good idea to get into a routine to ensure you get your work done, but also to make sure you balance it with activities for your mental and physical well-being. Make clear distinctions between work time and free time to avoid feeling guilty and overwhelmed by what needs to be done.
2. Plan
Get a planner and make sure you give yourself clear goals, targets and deadlines for the day. This way you will manage your work effectively and make sure you get everything done. Include breaks for exercise, meals, household tasks, relaxation and adequate sleep.
3. Mix it up
As well as varying your activities, try to vary your work tasks to keep you motivated. For example, break up long blocks of reading with something different such as watching a video, doing a quiz, sending some emails or making summary notes.
4. Stay connected
Even at a time when you can't meet face to face, it's still possible (and important) to stay connected with others. You might try connecting with peers in informal forums like Facebook for the social aspects of going to campus. Or take this opportunity to get in touch with people you haven't heard from for a while - cousins, childhood friends, school friends. Chances are they'll appreciate it too.
5. Accept support
It's okay not to feel 100 percent on top of things all of the time. Make use of support services that are available - that's precisely what they are there for!
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RURAL UNDERGRADUATE PATHWAY
[RuralUP]
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In short, the Rural Undergraduate Pathway (RuralUP) is designed to allow students in the School of Medicine to explore opportunities in rural areas as an undergraduate. Through RuralUP, students gain an understanding of what it is like to work in rural areas and develop their peer and professional networks. If you would like to know more, see the RuralUP Flyer.
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