Student learns bush medicine

MEDICAL student Katherine Fuller, from the University of Western Australia, has just wrapped up the second leg of her four-year scholarship in Warwick.

Ms Fuller, has completed a four-week block at the Condamine Medical Centre practising country medicine for a few weeks each year during four years of her degree course.

The John Flynn Scholarship, named after the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, offers 300 placements a year, and covers Katherine’s flights, accommodation and an allowance while she’s in Warwick.

Ms Fuller stayed with a community contact and enjoyed exploring the town, as well as her work experience.

“The point is to get to know people,” she said.

Katherine also gained experience last year at the Condamine Medical Centre, at the corner of Dragon and Wood streets.

“The first time I came, I was pretty basic but they’re really good up here. I’ve got to cut off skin cancers,” she said.

“In the city, there’s so many students, you don’t get that practical experience.”

Doing her clinical training in the city, Ms Fuller said she sometimes felt she was in the way of the doctors and nurses but here she was encouraged to take part.

Her scholarship mentor, Dr Ross Hetherington, said Katherine was doing a lovely job and the patients adored her.

Dr Hetherington said the scholarship was the only workable way to attract young doctors into the bush.

Katherine, originally from a farm near Gippsland, said she liked the country lifestyle and might go into a country practice once she finished her degree.