What happens when you give more than 200 city-based medical students the chance to step into country life and experience firsthand what a rural health career looks like?
In March 2025, students from Curtin University and the University of Notre Dame discovered the answer during the annual Wheatbelt Rural Immersion Program – a three-day journey across 14 regional towns designed to open eyes, shape career pathways and build lasting connections between future health professionals and rural communities.
Now in its eighth year, the program is coordinated by Rural Health West in partnership with the universities and local governments across the Wheatbelt. It offers students a rare and impactful opportunity to step away from the lecture theatre and into real-life rural practice, supported by warm and welcoming host families and communities.
From observers to advocates
For many participants, it was their first time beyond the Perth Hills – and the contrast was both confronting and inspiring. Students visited local health services including GP clinics, aged care centres, hospitals and emergency services, while also taking part in cultural and community activities from men’s shed visits to lakeside walks and ‘teddy bear hospitals’ with local school children.
Curtin medical student Gabi Cousins, who grew up in Popanyinning, returned to her roots as part of the Wongan Hills group.
“It really confirmed that I want to be a rural GP,” she said. “You see the way a local GP changes a whole town’s health – it makes you want to be that person for someone else.”
University of Notre Dame student Amelia Moran, who visited Bruce Rock, was struck by the connection between rural life and health.
“You start to understand why mental health issues are so prominent, or why road trauma hits harder in country towns,” she said. “This experience cemented my interest in rural generalism – and showed me what’s possible.”
Impact that lasts beyond the week
According to Rural Health West Deputy CEO, Kelli Porter, the program is already making a measurable impact.
“We’ve had over 1400 students participate since the program began. Many return later to work or undertake placements in the towns they visited – or even reconnect with their host families for seasonal work or mentoring,” she said.
Even for those who don’t choose a rural pathway, the immersion builds understanding and empathy for rural patients – many of whom later present in metropolitan hospitals and clinics.
Wongan-Ballidu Shire President Mandy Stephenson says the community sees the long-term value.
“We do everything we can to show students what life and work in the country is really like. If even one student comes back to work here, that can change a whole town.”
Looking ahead
Both students and organisers hope to see the program continue and expand.
“It would be amazing if every med and nursing student had the chance to do something like this,” said Ms Cousins. “Not just for the clinical experience – but to see the heart of country WA.”
Watch the highlights:
See what the students got up to and hear from those whose career plans were changed by the experience.