University of Melbourne student wins National Rural and Remote Health award

Jasmine Davis, a dedicated student, leader and community member passionate about championing rural health, has been awarded the Rural/Remote Health Advocate of the Year award at the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards in Canberra.

The Rural/Remote Health Advocate of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocating for policies that improve access to quality, culturally safe and responsive healthcare in rural/remote communities.

Jasmine is a final-year Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health student who is a strong advocate for rural health equity and raising awareness of the declining numbers of medical students entering general practice.

Jasmine said she is deeply passionate about giving back to rural health and is committed to a long career as a rural generalist.

“I have grown to love rural health more and more because of the sheer variety that exists within it,” Jasmine said.

“No one rural town is the same as another, and so there is absolutely something for everyone in rural health.

“Because of this variety, no two jobs are the same, and as you go around the country you meet so many health professionals who came for a month and stayed for 5, 10, 20 years.

"So, I say what have you got to lose? Give it a try and maybe you’ll stay!”

Alongside her studies at the University of Melbourne, Jasmine has been a strong advocate for encouraging students, particularly young women from rural areas, to consider a career in medicine. She has also been involved in organising events and promotional activities through the University of Melbourne Rural Health Club.

In 2022 Jasmine was elected President of the Australian Medical Students' Association, the peak representative body for Australia's 18,000 medical students.