Date: October 2024
Location: SQRH Health & Wellness Clinic, Toowoomba (8 Weeks)
University: The University Of Queensland
Field of Study: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)

What did you enjoy most about your rural placement?

What I enjoyed most about my rural placement was how much opportunity there was to learn and ask questions. The diversity in SQRH's team, both allied health and other professionals, allowed me to dive deeper into topics I had a great interest in and in areas I had yet to venture into.

Would you recommend a rural placement to other students? Why?

I would definitely recommend a rural placement to other students. It's not often people live outside their cities or towns for extended periods, if not for a holiday. So, having the opportunity to pack up, live somewhere else for an extended period, and create a new community is a very unique experience. Additionally, I feel as though you develop a much wider range of skills doing placement rurally compared to within a city.

What are your top tips for students considering a rural placement?

My top tip would be, don't go back home on the weekends. For some, going home on the weekends might not be possible, especially if you're out in Roma or Emerald, but if you're in Toowoomba it might seem like a good idea. However, over the weekends is where you create lasting friendships with fellow students and coworkers, and really become one with the community.

Did you stay in SQRH accommodation or have interaction with SQRH staff?

During my time at SQRH Toowoomba, I stayed at the UniSQ student accommodation and I'd have to say it was a good experience. Almost everything I needed was supplied by the UniSQ accommodation, which made packing that much easier. I also had the opportunity to interact with so many other students from varying universities and professions, which was great for networking and making friends. And thanks to my time here I can confidently say I have made some ever-lasting friendships.