The students have spent the past seven years studying and training in regional settings as part of the end-to-end regional medical program, a partnership between La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne.
The Rural Medical Pathway is part of the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network and was a component of the Federal Government’s investment in the Stronger Rural Health Strategy.
The first cohort came from across regional Victoria and NSW. They began their undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) studies in 2019 at La Trobe’s Albury-Wodonga and Bendigo campuses before progressing into the University of Melbourne's Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) postgraduate degree in Shepparton. Students are further embedded in regional settings for all their clinical training, with rotations throughout central and north-east Victoria.
The Biomedical Science (Medical) component of the Rural Medical Pathway program receives hundreds of applications each year for just 15 places, with selection focused on candidates who reside in regional or rural areas across Australia.
Senator for Victoria, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah visited La Trobe’s Shepparton campus on 18 November 2025 to congratulate the graduating students, along with Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines and senior delegates from La Trobe and University of Melbourne.
La Trobe Provost Professor Robert Pike said it was a proud day for both universities and the communities they serve.
“These graduates are not only highly skilled but deeply committed to improving health outcomes in rural and regional areas. The Rural Medical Pathway shows what’s possible when universities collaborate to meet the needs of communities. These new doctors will make a lasting impact,” said Professor Pike.
“The program is an example of the impact that the strong partnership between our two universities delivers. The graduates of our program are outstanding, they come from diverse backgrounds and will make exceptional doctors,” Professor Jane Gunn, Provost at the University of Melbourne said.
Abigail Rowe, 2025 Valedictorian and recent graduate of the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway), was born and raised in Mildura and is returning home to begin her internship as a doctor at Mildura Base Public Hospital.
“Returning to Mildura as a doctor is the culmination of everything I’ve worked towards over the past seven-plus years. Every tough exam, clinical placement and moment of homesickness were made easier by reminding myself of this goal," Abigail said.
"Receiving the offer to join the medical team at Mildura Base Public Hospital felt like my hard work had truly paid off. It’s an honour to return home, spend more time with loved ones, play local sport and, most importantly, give back to the community that has given me so much."
Throughout their training, students study alongside peers in pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and other allied health disciplines. The interprofessional approach ensures graduates are well prepared to work collaboratively within regional health teams.
For Oscar, studying and working in regional areas gave him a stronger sense of connection to the communities he was involved in and has exposed him to a range of different clinical settings to prepare him for a medical career.
“There’s something meaningful about being part of a smaller community where you see familiar faces both inside and outside the hospital," Oscar said.
"It has also given me perspective on the importance of supporting rural health services and being part of the effort to improve access to care for people living outside major cities.
"These experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for the rewards and challenges of regional healthcare, and a strong sense of connection that comes with working in these environments. It’s helped me set the direction for my career and shape me into the type of doctor I want to me in the future."
The Pathway gives rural people the opportunity to work in their communities, contributing to better healthcare access and workforce retention.
PHOTO: Rural Medical Pathway program's first graduates with senior delegates from La Trobe University and University of Melbourne along with Senator for Victoria, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah.
Media Contacts
La Trobe University - Jess Whitty: j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
The University of Melbourne - Jaiden D'Angelo: drh-marketingevents@unimelb.edu.au, 0436 139 999
