Department of Rural Health at UniMelb

Growing up in Kyneton, Ned Dowling has seen first hand the challenges regional communities face in accessing healthcare. Now in his 4th year of the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) he reflects on the need for doctors in rural and regional communities.

“Programs like this help build that workforce, but they also improve care because patients often feel more comfortable speaking with someone who understands their background and experiences. For me, that connection has often come through growing up in a rural community.”

Read more about his story here → go.unimelb.edu.au/v38h

Join Andrea Kiel, Pratik Sharma and Brenton Kiel for an introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy, aimed at recently graduated physiotherapists.

The online and in-person session will include:
▪ Assessment and treatment of common infant conditions
▪ Neurodevelopmental risk factors
▪ Paediatric sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions
▪ Things not to miss

For more information or to register, visit → go.unimelb.edu.au/2qah

We're excited to announce the 11th Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference is happening on Wednesday 28 October, on Yorta Yorta Country.

This year's conference prioritises truth-telling about past and present realities, and celebrating the strengths and successes of First Nations peoples.

Tickets are limited, so secure your spot today. Registrations close 21 October.

For more information on registration and abstract submissions, visit 👉 go.unimelb.edu.au/5tah

Last week, researchers from across the Department came together to showcase the impact of our rural research to health service leaders, community partners and leaders.

From improving health outcomes to building workforce capacity in rural communities, the presentations highlighted the value of our research and started discussions for future collaboration opportunities.

One of the many highlights was hearing researchers share their work, showcasing the breadth of expertise, insight and dedication that underpins rural health research across our footprint.

Take a look at snapshots from a fantastic day of connection, collaboration and shared learning 👇

Join us for the Goulburn Valley Tertiary Information Day at 's Shepparton campus on Sunday 9 August! 🤩

Come along and experience activities, including:
🩺 Hands on interactive health activities
📚 All day course and career expo
🏢 Accommodation and campus tours
👩‍⚕️ A study information session
🌭 BBQ lunch

To register your attendance or for more information, visit 👉 go.unimelb.edu.au/57q2

Join Brenton Kiel, Scott Corbett and Sean Slattery next Wednesday for a session on Career Progression and Planning for Early Career Physiotherapists.

The session will cover:
▪️clinical career pathways
▪️specialisation across practice areas
▪️career progression in public and private settings
▪️transitioning into professional practice
▪️opportunities in the Goulburn Valley

To register online or in person, visit → go.unimelb.edu.au/4w92

Meet the Going Rural Health team: Debbie Kornas, Student Support Administrator.

"My role is to provide a warm and friendly welcome to those who access our service via phone, email or online chat.

Being part of a program that creates meaningful experiences and opportunities for students is something I value deeply."

Swipe to learn more about Debbie!

Going Rural Health recently delivered an Interprofessional Education Tutorial Beaufort and Skipton Health Service as part of our aged care project.

This tutorial supports students to learn from, with and about each other by focusing on:
▪️ understanding their own professional role and the roles of other disciplines
▪️ building confidence to collaborate and communicate within a multidisciplinary team
▪️ fostering a team-based approach that prioritises client‑centred care

Take a look at the session.

Andrew O'Connor is an Allied Health Educator and Physiotherapist at Kyabram District Health Service - KDHS.

He's been working as a Going Rural Health Supervisor for 4 years, overseeing placement coordination and supervision.

“Working in a rural setting offers a more holistic perspective on patient care. It's common to work across both inpatient and outpatient settings, encouraging students to consider long term outcomes, discharge planning, access to services and more, shaping students into more rounded clinicians.”

Read Andrew's story here → go.unimelb.edu.au/9mo2

No Oscars were awarded, but we think A/Prof Siobhan Bourke deserves one. She's been busy filming new content for the re-launch of the Facets of Rural Sexual Health online education modules.

An initiative of the Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH), the modules are free and are accredited for CPD by the RACGP and ACRRM.

The modules are being updated with new content on:
▪️ Epidemiology, STIs, HIV and Bacterial Vaginosis
▪️ Extended examples of sexual history taking
▪️ Partner notification practical examples by world leading expert Professor Jane Tomnay AM, CERSH Director

Register here to be the first to know when the modules are released in late 2026 → go.unimelb.edu.au/omy2