Rural Doctors Association of Australia's Medical Student of the Year Award 2024

A final year University of Melbourne medical student, Jemma Abraham, has received the Rural Doctors Association of Australia’s Medical Student of the Year award in recognition of her passion for rural healthcare and leadership.

The aspiring young doctor has undertaken her studies at the University’s Rural Clinical School in Ballarat and next year she will undertake a medical internship at Grampians Health.

“I am very honoured to be recognised with this award,” Jemma said. “Throughout my studies I have been very lucky to meet so many like-minded students who are as equally enthusiastic as I am about enhancing the experiences of rural students, promoting rural careers and improving outcomes for rural communities.”

Throughout her studies, Jemma has also served as president of the University of Outlook, Melbourne’s rural health club for students and worked as a rural health adviser for the Melbourne University Medical Student Conference.

Jemma said it was the people that attracted her to rural medicine, and she found the training and exposure in regional settings had been incredible for her skills.

“When I started my medical degree, I elected to study medicine entirely in a rural location and this has been a huge benefit in my learning journey,” she said. “Thankfully, the old perception that rural medical training is second rate is changing – rural medicine is starting to be recognised as a really valid training and career option.”

As for her vision for rural health, she’d love to see more medical students and junior doctors heading out to the regions for longer stints, getting a taste for life and the career opportunities on offer. Jemma also has some advice for fellow students.

“I would strongly encourage any students, particularly those based rurally for their studies, to get involved in the community, join Outlook Rural Health Club if you haven’t already, don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ and see where it leads you, and finally to make time to find what you’re passionate about too!”