Brisbane born and bred Laura Boyle has spent the last two years studying medicine with University of Queensland's Rural Clinical School (UQRCS) Bundaberg and graduated recently, alongside 10 fellow Bundaberg students with a Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Like many high school students, Laura wasn’t sure what career path she’d take, but decided to keep her options open, studying science and genetics courses before making the decision to study medicine.
“Medicine is a field where you can specialise, teach or take on advocacy work, or focus on public health and that excited me,” Laura said.
Laura applied for and undertook a year-long placement with UQRCS Bundaberg for her third year studies and she liked it so much she stayed on to complete her fourth and final year.
“Bundaberg appealed to me because it’s a well-resourced hospital, but small enough to have a community feel and friendly teaching staff,” Laura said.
“It also has a good social community of students and staff who are really supportive.
“Everything you need is in Bundaberg, I haven’t felt deprived of anything while I’ve been here.”
UQRCS Bundaberg Director Dr Therese Ryan says the Rural Clinical School presents experiences and opportunities to students that leave life-long impressions on their careers as doctors.
“Our students leave with a wealth of knowledge and experience generated by the variety of medical presentations and high teacher-student ratios, coupled with an understanding of the benefits of living in a regional location and a strong sense of gratitude for the support shown by the local community in their learning,” Dr Ryan said.
“We are extremely proud of our 2021 graduates and congratulate them for their hard work and dedication to completing their studies whilst immersing themselves and engaging in our local community.”
For Laura, the adventure outside her metropolitan upbringing isn’t over, as she embraces regional living in Townsville, where she has accepted an intern position.
For further information on studying medicine in Wide Bay click here or check out UQ Rural Clinical School on Facebook.
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