IF EVER someone suited the phrase ‘you can take the girl out of the country….’, it’s Grace Carmichael.
The 20-year-old is two years into a medical degree in probably the nation’s most concrete-dense location, and, though a long way from the family farm at North Berry Jerry, is thoroughly enjoying the educational and cultural delights of the big smoke.
But would ya have a go at her boots!
“They’re pretty much my uniform,” Grace says, indicating her farm-issue footwear – which would not look out of place in a dairy or shearing shed.
“I wear them everywhere, around uni, when I’m on placement.
“It’s pretty clear where I’m from.”
Grace grew up on a cropping property near Coolamon, where her family is still based.
I love college and I love medicine… but if anything, coming to the city has made me realise how good I had it back in the country. There is too much cement here.
- Grace Carmichael
Unlike many of her classmates she doesn’t have a doctor in her family, and said she first imagined a career in medicine through work experience with her local doctor Joe Romeo – who, incidentally, delivered her.
She also spent time shadowing Tanzanian doctors and nurses during a gap year program in Africa called Gap Medics.
“You’re based in a town and you are working with other health professionals, helping observations, surgery, outpatients, that kind of thing,” she said. “I got so much out of it.”
Grace says it’s back in the state’s rural south that she see her future.
“Definitely want to head back to the country,” she said. “I love college and I love medicine… but if anything, coming to the city has made me realise how good I had it back in the country.
“There is too much cement here. Small town medicine is what I want to do.”
Grace will actually be heading closer to home next year to finish off her training.
The UNSW Rural Student Entry Scheme allows her to complete years three to six of her degree back in Wagga Wagga.
“I’m looking forward to that, it’ll be great to be closer to home,” she said.
From 2021, would-be medical students in the state’s south will be able to do their whole degree through UNSW at Wagga Wagga.
“That’s going to be great for so many people in the country,” Grace said.
The Land’s Rural Medical Scholarship was launched in October 2010, with two second-year medical students receiving a $7500 scholarship each year.
It’s supported by the Rural Doctor’s Association, who also offer a valuable mentoring program.
Stay tuned next week when we profile our second scholarship winner for 2018, Sydney University student Annabelle Carter.