Club Medicine Bunbury: Exploring Rural Health Careers in Paediatrics with UDRH SW

Image Credit: Emma Cooper The Rural Clinical School – Club Medicine Bunbury February 26

The University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW) discipline advisors, Fiona Collins and Emily Jackson, hosted high school students at Club Medicine Bunbury to explore rural health careers in paediatrics.

Club Medicine Bunbury is an initiative designed to introduce high school students to a range of medical and allied health careers. Emma Cooper from the Rural Clinical School, who coordinates and runs Club Medicine, tailors Club Medicine sessions to students specifically interested in studying medicine and health careers. The event offers a hands-on, interactive approach for students to explore healthcare disciplines, particularly in rural areas.

In the first Club Medicine workshop of 2025 in Bunbury, UDRH SW facilitated sessions focused on careers in paediatric fields. Fiona Collins (Dietitian) and Emily Jackson (Speech Pathologist) led engaging sessions, focusing on the first 1000 days of life and exploring the vital roles of speech, language, and feeding for children. Their sessions gave students valuable insights into the specialised roles of speech pathologists and dietitians within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. These sessions were complemented by the involvement of three medical students and a General Practitioner, who presented alongside Fiona and Emily. The medical students gave a detailed presentation on the head-to-toe check of newborns, while one medical student and the GP discussed vaccinations, including how to administer them. This provided students with an even broader understanding of the various career options within the healthcare sector.

The session was a resounding success, with students actively participating in a variety of engaging and fun activities. These hands-on experiences allowed the students to understand the critical roles of speech pathologists and dietitians in children’s health. They had the opportunity to practise relevant skills under the guidance of health professionals, gaining a practical understanding of the day-to-day work in these fields. Additionally, students learnt about different career pathways and training opportunities available for those interested in pursuing allied health and medical careers, especially in rural settings.

The students involved expressed excitement and curiosity about pursuing careers in health. Many students were surprised by the diverse range of skills required in these roles and the importance of working within a multi-disciplinary team. The hands-on activities allowed them to better understand the challenges and rewards of working with children in a healthcare setting. The enthusiasm from students and the positive feedback received, highlighted the event’s success in sparking interest in rural health careers and providing valuable insights into the practical aspects of these professions. This initiative continues to inspire and guide the next generation of healthcare professionals toward meaningful careers in the South West region.

UDRH SW are looking forward to the next Club Medicine in Bunbury: on Wednesday 30th April exploring Chronic health conditions. Find out more about Club Medicine and upcoming events here.