A new Adelaide University program is encouraging high school students in Adelaide’s northern suburbs to pursue a career in medicine, in the hope of addressing worsening GP shortages in the area as the population grows.
School to Scholar is a joint initiative with the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN). The unique program gives high school students in years 10-12 the chance to meet with medical students and doctors at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and learn basic practical skills such as CPR and first aid.
Associate Professor Aaron Boyce, Clinical Dean of Medicine at Adelaide University and Dermatologist at NALHN, said the program aims to encourage the students to consider a career in health.
“The aim of the School to Scholar program is to give students from the northern suburbs the knowledge and confidence they need to pursue a career in medicine, with the hope that they may be able to use these skills to help their community,” Associate Professor Boyce said.
“Future-proofing the medical workforce in Adelaide’s northern suburbs is more important than ever, as the area is already experiencing a major shortage of doctors and long wait times to see GPs.
“It is a growing population with complex medical needs. Life expectancy is significantly shorter in Adelaide’s northern suburbs than it is in other parts of Adelaide, with higher rates of smoking, obesity and diabetes among other things.
“By encouraging local high school students with an interest in medicine to pursue a career in health, we hope that when they ultimately qualify as future healthcare workers, they’ll help address some of these challenges and play a role in improving health and wellbeing in Adelaide’s north for generations to come.”
More than 20 students have signed up for the unique 10-session program, which is held fortnightly after school over terms two and three.
The topics they learn about are diverse and range from a day in the life of a junior doctor to how to care for patients, and the health challenges affecting their community. They will also hear about the medical school experience from current medical students and participate in practical sessions, including some basic life support and even ultrasound.
Adelaide University’s Professor Josephine Thomas, Dean of the School of Medicine said the University has a strong focus on health equity.
“We want to improve healthcare, equity, education and wellbeing for all,” Professor Thomas said.
“We want to see more students from Adelaide’s northern suburbs studying medicine at Adelaide University and are pleased to be able to offer this experience within a local hospital, where prospective students can see firsthand the importance of general practice within their community.”
The School to Scholar program is particularly close to the heart of Associate Professor Boyce, who has a strong connection to the area.
“I grew up in Adelaide’s northern suburbs and more than 25 years later, it is clear that some of the barriers that are preventing young people in this area from exploring a career in medicine remain.
“Many will be the first in their family to go to university and may not know anyone who has been accepted into medical school or is a practising health practitioner.
“This program will help them to see that a career in health is within their reach. People who have connections to the area are more likely to service the area in the future.”
The Adelaide University program is also supported by the Northern Community Hospital Research Foundation. If successful, it’s hoped the program could be expanded to include more students next year.