Aspiring medical students from across the Campaspe and Gannawarra regions gathered at Echuca Regional Health on Wednesday 8 October for the inaugural Medical Pathway Careers Day.
The event — a collaboration between the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, Campaspe Cohuna LLEN (CCLLEN), and Echuca Regional Health — gave students the opportunity to experience life inside a working hospital and explore careers in rural medicine.
Eighteen senior secondary students from Echuca College, Moama Anglican Grammar, Rochester Secondary College and Cohuna Secondary College were selected to attend. Participants took part in hands-on clinical workshops, including ultrasound, plastering, suturing, and bandaging, and learnt how to measure blood pressure and use stethoscopes.
Students also heard from current medical students, registrars, and rural doctors during a panel session, providing real-world insights into study pathways, the diversity of roles within medicine, and the benefits of working in regional health settings.
Victorian Rural Generalist Coordinator Craig Canham said the day was designed to highlight the rewarding opportunities available through rural medicine.
“Local students interested in studying medicine weren’t getting exposure to hospitals in the Loddon Mallee,” he said. “We want to show young people that everything you can do in the city, you can also do in the country.”
The event also introduced a new Rural Doctor Buddy Program, linking students with a practising doctor for ongoing guidance and mentoring — helping them stay connected to rural pathways as they move through tertiary studies.
CCLLEN Executive Officer Jane Reid said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to growing the next generation of local health professionals.
“The day gave students meaningful, hands-on experience and valuable conversations with people already living their career dreams in rural healthcare.”
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