Med student taking the rural world by storm

The fifth year international student is set to take on the role of Executive Chair of the National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN).

She will head the multidisciplinary student health network, which comprises of 28 University Rural Health Clubs, including JCU’s Rural Health in the Northern Outback (RHINO) student club.

“I had heard about the NRHSN through my involvement with RHINO,” Carolyn said.

“In 2016, I was one of six health students chosen for the Northern Territory PHN’s High School Visits. I had a chat with the guy who was going to be the Chair of the NRHSN in 2017, and joining the NRHSN Executive Committee sounded like something right up my alley. I love to get involved,” Carolyn said.

“As the Executive Chair you represent the network around the country, and are the public face of the NRHSN.

“It includes meeting politicians, attending stakeholder meetings, writing policy and position papers and presenting at conferences.

“It also includes advocating for and overseeing all the different rural health clubs.  It’s a big complex role.”

Carolyn had always dreamt of studying medicine and helping people in need.  She was particularly attracted to studying in north Queensland by the focus of JCU’s medical program.

“I always had an interest in doing something around public health.  I know that I can make a difference and JCU has an amazing reputation for their program.

“Every focus that JCU has, on tropical health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and rural and remote health is something that I am interested in, and that’s what brought me over here.

“It was the perfect fit, like Cinderella and her glass slipper.”