HELP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS TO STUDY MEDICINE

A program established at the University of New South Wales to counteract the huge shortage of Indigenous doctors, nurses, psychologists and other health professionals is currently looking for applicants.

Now in its third year of operation, the program has already helped Indigenous students from all over Australia to overcome a range of hurdles to qualify for medicine.

The Pre-Medicine Program (PMP) is run by the Faculty of Medicine at the university, in collaboration with the Aboriginal Education Program (AEP) and forms part of a selection process to better prepare students for study in the Faculty of Medicine.

According to Megan Usher, a First Year Aboriginal student from Tamworth, NSW, the Pre-Medicine Program is 'excellent.' "I found that I wasn't as overwhelmed as I might have been in the first few weeks of uni, because we had covered a lot of the topics during the program. I felt less pressured, which was good, since I had a lot of adjusting to do being new to city life. So far, medicine is lots of hard work, but at the same time, it's fun and interesting. There is good support for students at the Aboriginal Education Program -it's a great place to just hang out between lectures! The tutoring scheme they offer is extremely helpful."

Casey Wadwell, from Spring Ridge, NSW, is now in her Third Year of studies and was one of the first students to enter medicine through the program. "Initially I wanted to be a vet but when I heard about the program I thought I would give it a go. I ended up doing really well."

Clinton Johnson, a First Year med. student from Dubbo, NSW said: "I highly recommend the Pre-Med program to anyone who is considering studying medicine. When I finish my degree, I definitely want to go back to Dubbo, but before I decide on a specialty, I want to develop a holistic view of medicine and get a wide range of experience."

The five-week course runs from Monday 21st January 2002 until 25th February 2002. It focuses on preparation for first year Medicine subjects, such as Anatomy, Introductory Biology, Biochemistry and Study Skills. The program also involves a number of clinic visits. These provide the opportunity to meet local Aboriginal Health Workers and community members.

The program is able to help successful applicants with travel and accommodation and is open to students from a wide range of backgrounds, not just science.

More information on Pre Medicine Program is available by contacting Dr David Sutherland at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine on 02 9385 3404 or email indigenoushealth@notes.med.unsw.edu.au

You can also visit our website http://notes.med.unsw.edu.au/rural/home.nsf/pages/indigenouspmp

MEDIA CONTACT: Dr David Sutherland, tel 93853404 or Dennis McDermott, tel 9385 3210 (Photo available)