University of Wollongong student Leah Meron and University of Notre Dame student Lauren Cox won scholarships as part of the NSW Rural Doctors Network Bush Bursary program.

The NSW Rural Doctors Network administers the Bush Bursary and Country Women’s Association scholarships, which provide students with $3000 for one year, during which time they spend two weeks in their sponsoring rural area experiencing work and life in a rural community.

The medical students put Orange as a preference for a two-week placement where they can see first hand what it is like to live and work in a rural setting. 

Ms Meron said she chose Orange because she believed it had the best medical facilities and was taken aback by how modern the Orange Health Service was, after spending her first week in the city. 

“I also heard Orange was very beautiful,” she said. 

The students have just finished their first year and have three to go.

Ms Cox said the main motivation for applying for the scholarship was to get a taste for different rural communities to see if she might consider moving to a regional area permanently. 

“It’s hard to predict where you might end up but that’s why it is great to have these experiences, she said. 

Ms Meron spent some time at the Aboriginal Medical Centre which she said was valuable.

“The issues there are very different ... there it is about time and building relationships, it’s a complete service whereas at the hospital things are a bit more pressing,” she said. 

Orange City Council contributed $3000 towards the program, which involves 20 students across 18 councils. 

nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au