Six Monash University medical students are getting a taste of life as rural general practitioners in South Gippsland this semester. The students, supported by Monash Rural Health, complete 18-week general practice placements under the supervision of local GPs from Leongatha, Foster, Korumburra and Wonthaggi.
For student Margot Bettles, her placement at Foster Medical Centre provides the opportunity for a homecoming.
“I’m so excited to be back in my hometown, where I lived with my family around 10 years ago. I’ve already seen a lot of familiar faces and it’s great to reconnect with the community. The medical team at FMC is always happy to teach me new things and give me opportunities to practice my clinical skills and see patients!
I love my morning drive to Foster with a coffee in hand and looking out over the stunning hills of Wilson’s Prom. It’s such a beautiful part of the country.”
During her placement, Margot will be exposed to different careers in general practice, including shadowing a GP Obstetrician at local hospitals. She looks forward to scrubbing into the theatre and seeing some gynaecological cases during placement, enabling her to test-drive her future
career aspirations.
“I’m hoping to return to South Gippsland one day as a GP with a special interest in obstetrics and gynaecology! I’ve always been passionate about improving women’s healthcare, particularly in a regional setting.”
The students will participate in wave or parallel consulting in their allocated General Practice - so patients may see medical students like Margot for part of their GP appointment, and then the supervising GP checks in to sign off on the consultation. Associate Professor Cathy Haigh, Director of Monash Rural Health Gippsland, explains this
practice is critical to their development as doctors.
“Parallel consulting allows our students to practice the core skills required to be a great GP - being empathetic listeners, building strong rapport and taking thorough histories from patients in a safe and supportive learning environment.”
Cathy encourages locals to help welcome the students over the coming months.
“Please say hello and share your local knowledge if you meet our students at a GP clinic, or out in the community. We can truly showcase what’s on offer here in South Gippsland, and inspire students to return in the future.”