Friends forge future in Regional Medical Program
Isabelle Holt is pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, supported by the strong bonds of friendship and a close-knit community.
Motivated to return to her hometown of Bundaberg, Isabelle was accepted into CQUniversity’s Regional Medical Program (RMP), a medical education and training pathway that allows students to complete the entirety of their medical training in the regions.
Isabelle credited her strong work ethic to the country life, which instilled in her a 'can-do' attitude, proving pivotal in her academic and personal life.
"My dad is a farmer, and my mum is a nurse. Growing up on a sweet potato farm, my siblings and I were always outside; we’d be riding horses, feeding chickens, helping around the farm, or out playing with the dogs.
“We would be up early doing chores before school and outside again once we got home," she said.
“When I was in Year 10, I moved to Brisbane to attend a boarding school to challenge myself academically.”
While Isabelle excelled in her schooling, she said the call of rural roots remained strong.
"I started to realise that I wasn’t a ‘city girl’ and wanted to be rural again. I missed the small-town feeling and the outdoor lifestyle,” Isabelle said.
“When I learned about CQUniversity’s RMP, I was excited as it gave me the opportunity to study medicine in my hometown and to provide healthcare in a rural setting."
Isabelle's enthusiasm for the RMP proved to be infectious and she encouraged her friends from boarding school, Jocelyn and Lucia, to apply for the program.
"Jocelyn had always wanted to study medicine. When she visited Bundaberg, she loved the regional lifestyle, the greenery and farms, and especially the kangaroos that are always on campus at CQU.
“I also boarded with Lucia. It’s great to study together now as we supported each other during school and can continue to do that,” Isabelle explained.
"Knowing each other before university has been really helpful with settling in. We recently moved into a sharehouse which has been a blast to decorate and start living together.
“We're like a little family, supporting each other through the RMP journey and whatever the future has in store for us.”
Since starting in the RMP, Isabelle has found the small class sizes and close cohort to be highlights of the program.
“Returning home to Bundaberg to study and give back to my community has been incredibly fulfilling," she said.
“While it was daunting to adjust from school to university expectations, everyone knows each other and the lecturers have already learned our names.
“The older cohorts are always looking out for us and sharing their experiences and advice.”
As Isabelle progresses in her studies, the dedicated student is looking forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead as she strives to make a positive impact in the world of medicine.
“I am grateful to be accepted into CQU’s RMP because it allows me to work alongside other health professionals to deliver care in a rural health setting, where there are limited resources and staff.
“It’s great to be able to study in my hometown because my family is also able to give me extra support in the busy times, particularly as the workload increases.”
For more information on the seven-year program, co-delievered by University of Queensland, please visit the Regional Medical Pathway website.
More information about the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course is available on the course page on the CQUniversity website.
