Return Rotation in Rural and Remote Medicine

Olivia a fourth-year UQ-Ochsner medical student, is back in Australia for her return rotation, a requirement of the UQ-Ochsner MD program. Students are given some degree of flexibility as to what time of year to make their return and which block would be most suitable. We sat down with Olivia to find out why she decided to do hers in Rural and Remote Medicine. 

Can you briefly explain what a return rotation is? 

As a fourth-year student, you have to do a return to Australia rotation. It's six weeks long, and I am doing my return placement in Rural and Remote Medicine, which has been a blast. 

Why did you choose to do your return rotation in Rural and Remote Medicine? 

It's a really great experience. If anyone is thinking about doing it, I would highly encourage you to do that. You get placed in a rural part of Queensland and spend six weeks being part of the community and the healthcare team. I chose it because it's a unique experience that you just won't get anywhere else. In my placement, I've been able to do so much more than I would in a metro hospital, making it a great learning opportunity. 

Is a return placement in Rural and Remote Medicine beneficial for other UQ-Ochsner students? 

It might not be as helpful for everyone. I'm planning on going into pathology, but it's a great learning opportunity, especially for procedural skills. I've done a lot of cannulas, venipunctures, a digital nerve block, and even relocated a fractured finger. It's a fantastic hands-on learning experience. 

What does a typical day look like for you during your return rotation in Boonah? 

My typical day in Boonah involves spending half the time in the hospital and half in the GP (clinic) at the hospital. My day starts around 8am, and I live on-site, which is convenient. We do ward rounds, then head to the ED to see what's happening. The ED is a great place to learn various skills, and on the wards, we help manage patients and prepare them for discharge. At the GP, we rotate among different doctors who are all great teachers. We do a lot of skin biopsies and checks, which is fantastic for anyone interested in dermatology. 

What is the process like organising your return rotation back in Australia? 

It was relatively pain-free. You preference for the rural placement just like any other location. I didn't know much about rural Queensland, so I went with the vibes, and Boonah had good vibes. They also provide a travel subsidy and arrange accommodations, which is very helpful. 

Besides your return rotation, what else have you been doing on your return trip to Australia? 

Boonah is a beautiful town in the Scenic Rim of Queensland, surrounded by mountains. I've been exploring the town and surrounding areas, and there are kangaroos everywhere. I've also travelled to New Zealand and visited Auckland, Hobbiton, and the Glowworm Caves. On weekends, I come back to Brisbane to catch up with friends. 

You're in your fourth year now, and residency is just around the corner. Do you know where you'll be applying and what you want to do? 

I'm originally from South Carolina, so my ideal residency would be close to home. I'm applying for pathology, specifically forensic pathology, as I find it very interesting. I've probably watched too many true crime shows and murder mysteries, but that's what I'll be applying for. 

How has the UQ-Ochsner MD program prepared you for residency? 

The UQ-Ochsner MD program is amazing. They're great at helping you find mentors. In my third year, I was connected with a mentor in pathology who helped me apply for away rotations. I got my first choice at Yale University because of her letter of recommendation. There are also societies for various specialities, like the pathology interest group, which has been very helpful.