• Charles Sturt is running free, 90-minute events to outline key aspects of applying for and studying Doctor of Medicine program
• Prospective students offered insights into studying at School of Rural Medicine at six information nights
• Joint Program in Medicine is offered by a partnership between Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University

Charles Sturt University will host six information nights for prospective students of its School of Rural Medicine, which will welcome its first cohort in less than 12 months’ time.

The free 90-minute events are aimed at prospective students and their parents and guardians, and will outline all aspects of the new Joint Program in Medicine offered by Charles Sturt and Western Sydney University, which will commence at the Orange campus in 2021.

The information nights will be held at Charles Sturt in Bathurst, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie and Albury-Wodonga, as well as at St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, Sydney.

Topics covered will include introducing the Medicine team, course overview, program structure, entry requirements, the application process (including Indigenous and rural admission), UCAT, interview process, support services, career outcomes, Orange campus information (including accommodation), scholarships, and some student and regional doctor presentations about their experiences.

Dean of the School of Rural Medicine Professor Lesley Forster said the events offered a great opportunity for prospective students to learn about the Doctor of Medicine program and the benefits of studying in a regional setting.

“The School of Rural Medicine will change the way medicine is taught and practised in country Australia by training doctors in the bush, for practice in the bush,” Professor Forster said.

“A critical element of this process is recruiting students who will respond well to being taught in a supportive environment which includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities, small class sizes, and a personalised teaching approach.

“These information nights will be a fantastic opportunity for those prospective students to learn more about the School, its medicine program, and the opportunities that await them as both students and graduates.”

Dean of the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University and Executive Dean of the Joint Program, Distinguished Professor Annemarie Hennessy AM, said the Doctor of Medicine program is an exciting prospect for aspiring doctors.

“Western Sydney University and Charles Sturt University are both universities committed to delivering health professional programs that respond to important health challenges and workforce needs of their regions,” Professor Hennessy said.

“Students in this Joint Program in Medicine will benefit from a proven medical course with almost 10 years of graduates and experienced, passionate local academic staff and medical who will guide their learning and shape their future careers in medicine.”

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at Charles Sturt Professor Megan Smith said the School and the Doctor of Medicine program had been developed in consultation with the healthcare community.

“The course will adapt the established and highly successful medical curriculum from Western Sydney University for rural contexts, capabilities and health needs,” Professor Smith said.

“Many of the lecturers, tutors and supervisors for the Doctor of Medicine will be practising medical doctors and allied health professionals.

“Charles Sturt University is proud to have worked so closely with stakeholders in the Orange and Central West medical communities to build this program, and we are sure both the students and regional Australia will reap the benefits of those relationships.”

The information nights will be held at 5.30pm for a 6pm start on the following dates and at the following locations:

Bathurst: Monday 9 March, James Hardie Dining Room, Centre for Professional Development, Wahluu Place, Charles Sturt University

Orange: Tuesday 10 March, Leeds Parade, Charles Sturt University

Wagga Wagga: Monday 16 March, Charles Sturt Cellar Door, Mambarra Drive, Charles Sturt University

Sydney: Tuesday 24 March, St Joseph's College (Brother Michael Naughtin Theatre), Mark Street, Hunters Hill

Port Macquarie: Monday 6 April, 7 Major Innes Road, Charles Sturt University

Albury-Wodonga: Wednesday 8 April, Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Charles Sturt University

For more information or to register your interest please go to http://study.csu.edu.au/med-info-night.