Three students from the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia (RCSWA) shone brightly at the UWA Medical School Prize Ceremony last night.
Emma McNeilly was awarded the Campbell and Annie Murdoch Prize in Rural and Remote Medicine, recognising the student with the highest aggregate mark for In-Training Assessment across designated units while on RCSWA placement. Emma, a University of Notre Dame Australia student, completed her RCSWA year in Geraldton in 2024 and has returned to the metropolitan area for her final year in 2025.
Ruby Wallace received the Rural Doctors’ Association of WA Prize, awarded to the student with the highest aggregate mark for the RCSWA year. A UWA student, Ruby is continuing her final year in Geraldton in 2025, demonstrating her strong commitment to rural medical training.
Recent UWA graduate Dr Caitlin Staer was also recognised, receiving a Dean’s Letter of Commendation for Professionalism for her outstanding professionalism throughout her final year in the MD program. Caitlin was an RCSWA penultimate student in Derby over 2023. Now an intern, she exemplifies the values of excellence and integrity in rural healthcare.
Image: Prof. Kirsten Auret and Dr Caitlin Staer at the UWA Medical School Prize Ceremony.
RCSWA Academic Coordinator, Associate Professor Kirsty Freeman, said the school was very proud of Emma, Ruby, and Caitlin's incredible achievements.
“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and commitment to rural medicine recognised in this way. These awards highlight not just their academic excellence but also the passion and dedication they bring to rural healthcare,” Ms Freeman said.
“It’s a privilege to support such talented students on their journey, and we’d love to see them return to RCSWA in the future as colleagues!"
Image: Prof. Kirsten Auret, student Emma McNeilly and A/Prof. Kirsty Freeman.
On behalf of the RCSWA Geraldton team, Co-lead Medical Coordinator Dr Pippin Holmes congratulated Ruby and Emma on their outstanding achievements.
“They both demonstrated commitment to their education and rural health advocacy, a high level of professionalism and strong leadership skills, as well as being involved in the Geraldton community and enjoying the enviable lifestyle we have. We are looking forward to working alongside them as rural clinicians, leaders and advocates in the future,” Dr Holmes said.
These awards highlight the dedication and success of students undertaking rural medical training and reinforce the vital role of RCSWA in shaping the next generation of rural doctors.