Investment in doctors and in our future

(Left to right) Scholarship recipients Heidi Annand from Bathurst, Miranda Eyb from Cudal, Sarudzai (Saru) Mukonowatsauka and Councillor John Medcalf

The future of our regional communities and regional doctors both became much brighter thanks to a significant contribution from the Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO).

After years of advocacy to attract health professionals to the region and strong lobbying for the development of the Charles Sturt and Western Sydney University Joint Program in Medicine, in 2020 the CNSWJO funded $75,000 in scholarships for students studying medicine at Charles Sturt University’s Orange campus.

Councillor John Medcalf OAM, Chair of CNSWJO and Mayor of Lachlan Shire Council, said Central NSW councils are staunch supporters of growing their health workforce and they will continue to support the university’s program – because the data backs it up.

“By supporting our young people to study and become the health workforce of tomorrow, we hope they will stay working in the regions.” “Coming into medicine, I was working full-time, and I’ve got two kids at home, so the financial responsibilities have been a lot. With this scholarship, I don’t have to think about finances, and I don’t have to work as much. I can split my time between my kids and my study. I am just so grateful.” – Ms Sarudzai (Saru) Mukonowatsauka

“Like many students, I have two part-time jobs and this scholarship means I can get rid of one of those and focus on doing well in my degree. I also have my own shorthorn cattle stud and it’s taken me so long to build up a sizeable herd. This scholarship means I can hold onto my best females and I don’t have to get rid of them because I am strapped for cash.” – Miranda Eyb

“Having a scholarship gives you that boost of confidence, motivation and accountability to keep achieving within the course.” – Heidi Annand

Doctors for the Future Fund

In December 2020, the Doctors for the Future Fund was established to support new students enrolled in the new Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University Joint Program in Medicine, helping future regional students overcome financial barriers when studying.

The vision is to ensure that students have access to financial support through scholarships to steward them through the course and have access to learning resources equal to their metropolitan counterparts – by extension, improving the quality of life of regional and rural Australians through better access to quality healthcare.

You too can support future doctors. Visit csu.edu.au/ office/advancement/giving-to-csu/doctors-for-the-future for details.