Applications are open for NURHC 2010!
- 2010 NURHC will be held in Alice Springs from the 15th - 17th July.
- Applications for abstracts are now open and will close on April 2nd. They should be submitted to Walter or Jordan, the link for the call for abstracts is here:
- General conference applications are also open and the application forms can be filled out online here:
- This year HOPE4HEALTH will be funding additional spots on the trip beyond the 8-10 NRHSN funded positions and the details will become available shortly.
- Anybody on a MRBS, BMP or RAMUS scholarship is able to apply for seperate conference funding through ACRRM. For more details email Brodie; rural@hope4health.org.au
To find out more about the networking, socialising and educational opportunities that NURHC offers, simply read the report from NURHC 2009 below!
The National University Rural Health Conference (NURHC) 2009
Three hundred medical, nursing and allied health students recently enjoyed a break from winter to converge in Cairns in the tropics of far-north Queensland. Whilst all were there to have an amazing time it was not for a holiday but rather to look at ways to redress the disparity seen in Australia’s rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Our accommodation... Colonial Club Resort Students arriving at the conference venue
Staying in beautiful resort style accommodation the NURHC 2009 embraced the theme 'Rural Health: Diverse Landscapes, Endless Opportunities' and encompassed a comprehensive academic program complimented by unique social events and sight-seeing opportunities.
Hosted by James Cook University, NURHC 2009 was months in the making and relied on a huge effort from a very dedicated group of NRHSN students and Rural Health Workforce Australia staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it an unforgettable conference.
Griffith Male Contingent Over 300 Students from around Australia
Key issues discussed at the conference related to ways in which to increase student exposure to rural and remote health with a view that those positive experiences will then allow those students to make an informed choice to then work in those areas. Another main area of concern was the availability of training for graduating medical students with much discussion of the new rural generalist pathway in Queensland and the option of expanding it nationwide.
Along with the presentations a number of interactive workshops were held covering a wide range of skills. These include a look at the use of humour in medicine and the science behind laughter as a divertive analgesic. Bush dentistry, a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Services Base and a local Aboriginal Medical Services unit, emergency medicine, ophthalmology and midwifery were also on the program to cater to everyone’s interests.
After our second place in the club dance off Jordan & Barry with Christy from Perth
On the social side the Griffith contingent was certainly made their presence felt with some hilarious antics at the social events. The highlight was our second place at the inter-club themed dance night were some great chorography and Brodie’s appearance in a man-kini saw us take out second place.
Out Enjoying the Cairns Nightlife Formal Dinner Night
Finally, two members of HOPE4HEALTH also gave papers as part of the student presentations. We were all very proud to take out the award for the best presentation in club category, a presentation that was based on H4H’s fund and awareness raising activities.
For anyone reading this report, I can’t encourage you enough to apply to be a part of the conference next year. Please keep an eye out for emails about it as if all goes according to plan Griffith may even be hosting the event!
Cheers,
The HOPE4HEALTH NURHC 2009 Team