The Rural stream: Your gateway to medicine in rural communities

Taking part in the Rural stream offers a unique opportunity for students interested in rural medicine to enhance their clinical and professional development.

This stream aims to foster a rural identity among participants, offering a comprehensive experience that combines small group activities, clinical exposure, and additional rural-based learning.

Here is what you can expect from our Rural stream:

Small Group Activities and Clinical Exposure

  • Students in the Rural Stream are placed together for small group activities, promoting collegiality and a rural identity.
  • Enhance your clinical understanding with monthly tutorials, offering a rural lens from both generalists and specialists.
  • Gain early clinical experience through weekend shifts in a rural hospital.
  • Shadow rural General Practitioners (GPs) to learn from experienced professionals. 

I found the additional practical experiences that we got in this stream added so much insight and context to what I was learning in theory this year. I don't think I would have been as motivated as I am to study and understand what I am learning if it weren't for this group.

Past rural stream student MBChB

Immersive Rural Experiences

  • Enjoy weekend excursions to rural marae, farm stays, rural GP practices, rural community events, and wilderness experiences.
  • Develop valuable mentor relationships to guide your professional growth. Receive support for rural research and leadership opportunities.
  • Individual pastoral care is offered to ensure your well-being.
  • We provide assistance with arranging selective and elective placements.
  • Participate in the Velocity workshop to develop innovation as a professional skill. 

The placements and hands-on experiences this course provided were incredible for integrating my learning into a clinical context and helped me see the bigger picture of why we are learning the things we are.

Past rural stream student MBChB

Preferred Allocation and Regional Opportunities

The program offers a GP-run placement in your home region.

Benefit from preferential allocation for non-Auckland based training during clinical years. 

Programme Details

  • Participation in the Rural Stream Program is free of charge.
  • Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed.
  • Please note that there are limited places available, and selection is based on interviews.
  • The program is open to all students interested in rural medicine, with priority given to students of rural origin.
  • Participants are expected to commit to the experiences offered.
  • Applicants should intend on spending at least two of their three clinical years in non-Auckland locations.
  • We encourage active participation in cohort direction, activities, and collegiality.

Join us in the Rural Stream Program and take a step toward a fulfilling career in rural medicine while gaining invaluable experiences and insights along the way.

Apply for the Rural stream