Lucy McKay
For Lucy McKay, studying medicine has highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that exist within rural healthcare across Aotearoa. Growing up in Hastings and hearing about the barriers her grandparents faced accessing healthcare helped shape her interest in rural medicine early on.
“During my undergraduate studies, I learned more about the
healthcare inequities that exist across New Zealand, especially for rural
communities,” she says. “It reinforced how important access to care really is.”
“You’re exposed to such a wide range of medical conditions,
and because the teams are smaller, you feel much more involved in patient
care. The teaching has been excellent, and you genuinely feel like
people are invested in your learning.”
Now studying Medicine at Waipapa Taumata Rau and taking part in the Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP), Lucy says one of the biggest highlights has been the amount of hands-on learning and responsibility students are exposed to in rural settings.
Based in Hāwera during her placement, Lucy says the strongsense of community has also made the experience especially rewarding.
“There’s a real sense of connection,” she says. “People are friendly, you start recognising familiar faces quickly, and it feels like you’re part of the community rather than just passing through.”
For Lucy, one of the most valuable aspects of rural medicineis the broad scope of practice and continuity of care it offers.
“The doctors here know a bit of everything, and no two days are the same,” she says. “I also really value the continuity you get with patients in a rural setting. It feels like a great mix of different specialties all in one.”
The experience has also strengthened Lucy’s interest in rural medicine as a future career pathway.
“I really value the relationships you build with patients and the wider community in rural settings,” she says. “It’s shown me how meaningful healthcare can be when you take the time to understand people and work alongside them.”