The Rural Clinical School 2024 students completed their 12-month placement at Narrogin Health Service

Narrogin’s medical students have farewelled the town after their year-long placement. The Rural Clinical School’s 2024 students have completed their placement at the Narrogin Health Service, where they have been learning from the medical team. Outside the hospital, the five students participated in hockey and netball, attended rodeos and quiz nights, and volunteered as local sports medics. Returning to her father’s home town, student Cleo Wiese said her family drew her to Narrogin. “Since starting medicine, I was sure whatever I did needed to be something where I could work rurally,” Ms Wiese said. “Seeing the doctors have such a broad range of skills and the lifestyle in the country absolutely sold me on becoming a rural generalist. “I love how hands-on we get to be. You feel like one of the team, and they’ve really embraced us.” Perth’s Zoe Polgase said the experience inspired her to become a rural generalist. “I fell in love with it this year,” she said. “You get to do everything, and I like to do everything. It keeps it interesting. “I’ve been in Perth my whole life, so I thought I’d come out here for something different, and it’s been everything I wanted to do.” They will start another RCS placement next year, with Ms Wiese heading to Broome and Ms Pologase to Bunbury. David Lachore said his skills and knowledge had improved extensively. “Narrogin’s a great place to do training — there’s great hospitals, great exposure, really good people to get trained by,” he said. “It was a big jump in my learning. “You get thrown in the deep end and learn so much more out here than in the city.” His wife and fellow student Mikala Bower said her hands-on role in the hospital had been fulfilling. “People are so keen to teach and have you involved,” Ms Bower said. “It’s far more rewarding because you’re actually contributing. “Getting to be part of the maternity unit has been really cool this year. “It’s such a privilege to be a part of childbirth.” Chelsea Francis said she had loved the experience and the opportunity to try everything. The trio will continue their studies at the University of Western Australia in 2025, and Ms Francis has secured a placement in the paediatric unit at Perth Royal Hospital.