• Mother-of-two brings newborn to class as she studies a Doctor of Medicine at Charles Sturt University
• More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt University's final-year medical students in 2026 will begin their careers in regional and rural hospitals in 2027

Charles Sturt University Medicine student Jacqueline Stapleton is proving that determination, community support and a baby carrier can go a long way.

Jacqueline is no stranger to juggling motherhood while completing a degree. She has balanced years of parenting with pursuing her higher education dreams, studying and attending classes while pregnant and during postpartum.

She is in her second year of a Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine in the Charles Sturt School of Rural Medicine in Orange and has been bringing her newest study buddy to class with her – her newborn daughter, Ivy.

Jacqueline lives in Bathurst with her husband and their two daughters, two-year-old Ava and four-month-old Ivy.

She previously graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science – Nuclear Medicine and a Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography through the University of South Australia. She then completed a Master of Medical Sonography while pregnant and on maternity leave with her first daughter.

Jacqueline is one of Charles Sturt’s many medicine students who have already or plan to start their careers in the regions, not the city.

More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt University's final-year medical students in 2026 will begin their careers in regional and rural hospitals in 2027

“Having worked in medical imaging for more than a decade, I have lived and worked in different states and in city, metropolitan, regional and rural communities,” she said.

“I am personally and professionally aware of the impact that a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially doctors, has on the community.

“Personally, I have always wanted to live in a rural location, as it fits my lifestyle and is ideal for raising children.”

And her children have played an integral role in her higher education journey so far.

Jacqueline was pregnant with her eldest daughter, Ava, while studying a master’s. And baby Ivy has been a regular attendee to classes since April.

She gave birth to Ivy while her classmates were completing a two-week work placement and Jacqueline returned to class on campus with her two-week-old newborn.

Since then, Ivy has become a regular attendee of Jacqueline’s lectures and tutorials. Fellow students and staff have embraced the unique situation, often holding Ivy so Jacqueline can remain in the lecture theatre and continue learning.

“Throughout my pregnancy and while bringing my baby to classes, I felt so supported by the School of Rural Medicine staff and all the students in my cohort,” Jacqueline said.

“This support, as well as family support has allowed me to continue through my second year of studying medicine. It means so much to me that people are willing to go out of their way to help and support me.”

Jacqueline chose to continue her higher education studies at Charles Sturt for its focus on rural medicine and because it is where she wants to practice as a doctor in future.

She praises Charles Sturt for offering rural and regional placement opportunities and bringing in local doctors and allied health professionals to give real-world insight into rural and regional medicine.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many clinicians and allied health professionals take time out of their schedules to teach, as well as how much time and effort has gone into developing the anatomy education centre and resources,” she said.

Studying in a regional location with intentions to work in the same area after graduation is Jacqueline’s way of helping to address the regional doctor shortage.

“I’m very aware of the lack of doctors in rural and regional communities, living in Bathurst for almost a decade I have seen the impact it has on the community,” she said.

“I realise this is an issue that affects many regional, rural and remote communities, which is why Charles Sturt’s School of Rural Medicine is so important and key to addressing this issue, so there are more doctors in these settings.”

Jacqueline said it has not always been easy to continue her studies but she said it has definitely been worth the effort.

She encourages those who want to pursue a career in medicine to take those first steps and not let big life events get in the way.

Applications for Charles Sturt’s next intake of medical students are through UAC and close on Friday 25 September