Director's welcome
Welcome to the University of Tasmania Rural Clinical School (RCS).
Welcome to the University of Tasmania Rural Clinical School (RCS).
The Rural Clinical School has taught medical students in the final years of their medical degree since 2002. The early years of medicine have traditionally been taught only in Hobart.
Starting in 2025, students will be able to study their whole medical degree on the North West Coast.
We are one of 18 Rural Clinical Schools around Australia, supported by the Commonwealth Government's Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program, established to train health professionals in rural and remote Australia to boost the workforces in those areas. Students and medical staff are increasingly choosing to study and work rurally because of the unique training opportunities and experiences rural practice provides.
The RCS is one of three University of Tasmania clinical campuses that trains medical students during their degree, the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedScMD).
Our school is located across two campuses at the North-West Regional Hospital in Burnie and the Mersey Community Hospital in Latrobe. Students work across both sites during their training with us and undertake attachments in the community and in General Practices.
Students are taught by local clinicians and enjoy the close relationship that the health service has with its patients.
In addition to training future doctors, we also support nursing, pharmacy, clinical psychology and other allied health students who are studying or on placement here.
The Rural Clinical School has developed a strong national reputation for excellence in rural medical education. This has been achieved by the enthusiasm of our academic team, and excellent relationships with regional health and community partners.
Medical students participate in health education and educational initiatives for local students and community members. Topics include healthy lifestyles and future health careers.
Our clinical school is strongly committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the wider region and continuing sustainability initiatives through our involvement in the Global Green and Health Hospitals Network.
For medical students who are considering studying with us, visit our prospective student page for further details.
Community groups and schools interested in learning more about our health education activities can visit our Community Engagement page and Facebook page for insight into the programs we offer.
If you would like to know more, please take the time to look through our website or contact rural.clinical.school@utas.edu.au with any queries.
Kind regards,
Professor Lizzi Shires
Director of the Rural Clinical School
