Celebrating 20 Years of the Rural Medical Program in Mount Gambier

On Friday 9 September 2022 current and past students, staff and educators gathered in Mt Gambier to celebrate 20 years of the Flinders University Rural Medical Program at a cocktail party at the Main Corner Complex in Mt Gambier.

Special guests included the Mayor of the City of Mt Gambier and community members. Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr, a proud Boandik woman, welcomed everyone to Country and Prof Robyn Aitken gave a warm welcome to guests. Prof Lucie Walters spoke about the program’s early days and challenges, and the dedication of staff and educators to ensure future success. 

Fondly regarded community member, Jan Armit played the role of standardised patient for students in clinical simulation sessions from 2002, and was a community representative on the GGT rural sub quota selection panel until her recent retirement. 

MD graduates Dr Carrie-Ann McKenzie (2009), Dr Angus Bauman (2011), Dr Chula Murray (2019) and Dr Jacinta Clark (2017) spoke about their time in the program and their career paths since graduation. 

Graduates Dr Alison Malpass (2002), Dr Andrew Churchman (2004), Dr Bjorn Cartledge (2009) and Dr Damien Kearney (2018), who were unable to travel to Mt Gambier for the celebration, shared short videos.