AMSAxGPSN Rural Generalist Mentoring Program

AMSA x GPSN Rural Generalist Mentoring Program

Claire Demeo, University of Melbourne (IV)

This year, the AMSA Rural Health Committee and General Practice Students’ Network (GPSN) were very excited to collaborate on the provision of a Rural Generalist Mentoring Program. This nationwide initiative was inspired by passionate medical students, who want to tackle healthcare inequities and make a difference to communities all around Australia — regardless of geographical location.

The program successfully recruited 51 mentees and 27 mentors from states and territories across Australia. Students have valued discussions with their mentors about the challenges and joys of their work, whilst rural generalists have benefited from sharing their knowledge and developing meaningful partnerships with future rural allies.

As part of the mentoring program, AMSA and GPSN have also run two webinars, for both mentees and mentors, on topics relating to rural and remote medicine. We heard first from Dr Allison Hempenstall, a rural generalist working on Thursday Island. As an ACCRM (Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine) Fellow, she shared some incredible stories with us, and imparted some of the lessons she has learnt during her time in the Torres Strait. In a subsequent webinar, we also covered First Nations allyship, and learnt about the importance of demonstrating cultural safety and humility in our work.

We are so grateful for all the mentees and mentors who have made this program possible. We’re already looking forward to expanding the program next year, as we aim to inspire the next generation of rural generalists.