Rural Medical Student Bursary award

About the Rural Medical Student Bursary award

The Rural Medical Student Bursary Award is awarded to a medical student who is a member of a rural health students' club at an Australian university who submits the best essay (maximum 1200 words) a rural and remote health topic.

Nomination process
Nominees must be current student members of the RACGP. Nominees can self-nominate for this award via the nomination form.

2023 essay topic
Rural and remote patients can face significant barriers to accessing routine specialist health care services. Pick a town in Modified Monash Model (MMM) 5-7 and explore a family’s ability to access a specialised medical service over a 12-month period. 

For example:

• Palliative care in Barellan NSW (MMM 5) or in Yalata SA (MMM 7)
• Rehabilitation for an elderly parent in Onslow WA (MMM 7)
• Mental health for a teenager in Gladstone TAS (MMM 5)

Each essay nomination is judged on the following criteria:

• demonstrated understanding of rural general practice;
• demonstrated evidence of innovative thinking;
• interest in a career in rural general practice;
• a written statement outlining the ways in which the bursary would support professional development.

The Rural Medical Student Bursary award includes:

• registration to attend the College's annual conference
• presentation of a commemorative trophy at the RACGP National Awards Ceremony.

2023 winner

The 2023 Medical Student Bursary Award was presented to Janelle Wong.

_{Janelle Wong receiving his award from RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins at the National Academic Session, Fellowship and Awards Ceremony.}

Ms Wong was commended for her reflective and innovative essay on mental health treatment and the barriers to accessing adequate psychiatric care in a remote part of Northern Territory.