New biomedical students to curb doctor shortage

THE MAKING OF NEW DOCTORS… From left, new Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) students and local residents, Ella Sprunt and Gabriella Hill. Photo: Supplied.
THE MAKING OF NEW DOCTORS… From left, new Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) students and local residents, Ella Sprunt and Gabriella Hill. Photo: Supplied.
THE MAKING OF NEW DOCTORS… From left, new Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) students and local residents, Ella Sprunt and Gabriella Hill. Photo: Supplied.
THE MAKING OF NEW DOCTORS… From left, new Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) students and local residents, Ella Sprunt and Gabriella Hill. Photo: Supplied.

FIFTEEN new students kicked off their Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) last week, which aims to help curb the doctor shortage in rural and regional areas as part of the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network.

This innovative new program will provide seven years of training and students who successfully complete a three-year undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) course at La Trobe’s Bendigo or Albury-Wodonga campus will gain guaranteed entry into the University of Melbourne’s Doctor Of Medicine postgraduate program in Shepparton.

Included in the 15 are three local residents, Isabella Trevaskis, Ella Sprunt and Gabriella Hill, who say that having the opportunity to practice medicine is a dream come true.

Ella said, “I decided to apply because I have always dreamed of being a doctor. Before this course was invented last year I was going to go to Melbourne and do three years there and then take the steps to get into medicine but that wouldn’t guarantee I would get in.

“This course is my dream. I get to stay at home and there is a guarantee of getting into medicine.

“I imagine myself working as a GP or in the emergency department for a couple of years before making a decision on any particular interests.”

Gabriella said, “This course, in particular, appealed to me because I like the idea of rural medicine, and medicine in general. I completed work experience in year 10 at GV Health and fell in love with medicine. Being a rural course is fantastic and I am grateful to have been given this opportunity.

“For a long time I was interested in surgery, but this may change after getting an insight into different areas throughout this course.”