University Department of Rural Health
Our success in delivering rural health education has been recognised nationally by receiving Commonwealth funding as a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH). The La Trobe UDRH is one of sixteen UDRH’s around Australia and is supported by the Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN).
The UDRH has a strong research focus that is driven by the beneficial outcomes for each unique community. Our focus is to expand research involving Indigenous people and to increase the indigenous representation in the healthcare workforce. Through collaboration with communities and industry we work together to find practical ways to improve the wellbeing and health of our vital regional areas, now and into the future. This is our passion.
Rural community engagement subject
The University Department of Rural Health have created a brand-new subject – Rural Community Engagement. In consultation with several regional centres, and a panel of rural health practitioners and educators, a project-based subject will be rolled out with first intake in 2020, and become a core requirement for LRHS first year students in 2021. The central component will be a rural community immersion experience where students will work with local community groups on projects identified by locals.
What will students gain from their experience? A sense of what it’s like to live and work in smaller towns, and a glimpse of how communities create solutions to challenges they may face. Building early frameworks through real experiences will help influence their choices when it comes to professional work in future. Students will also be able to practice those essential communication skills so fundamental to be being an effective health practitioner.
The University Department of Rural Health is funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government.
Website Disclaimer:
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.