In remote corners of Western Australia where access to healthcare can be hours away, the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) is helping sow the seeds of the next generation of rural doctors.
At the heart of this effort is Emma Cooper, RCSWA’s Rural High School Program Coordinator, who is playing a pivotal role in guiding rural students toward a future in medicine.
Through the program, students in Years 9 to 12 have access to tailored support, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to medical careers.
Emma said her biggest role was as “cheerleader” to help them meet crucial deadlines and believe in themselves.
“There are a lot of deadlines to hit to study medicine. You can’t get halfway through Year 12 and then realise you want to study medicine. Students need to decide by Year 10, especially if they want to keep all their university options open,” Emma explained.
“We support rural students financially, logistically and emotionally through the process of applying for medicine.”
Chemistry is a prerequisite subject for some medical schools, and students who do not study this in high school may find their options narrowed before they even begin.
That is where Emma steps in - not only as an advisor but also as a steadfast champion of rural students.
Image: Emma Cooper (right) with RCSWA Academic Services Officer Sana Wilde.
She travels widely to run free information sessions and ‘career tasters’ such as Club Medicine - a series of workshops for students that demystifies the medical profession and provides clinical skills practice.
“Introducing them to core medical skills helps them visualise themselves as doctors and gives them a real taste of what rural medicine involves. Ultrasound for example is essential in rural practice where diagnostics can be limited.”
Students who engage with the program are often better prepared, not just academically but emotionally. From understanding the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) requirements to mastering medical school interviews, students can prepare by completing mock interviews with current medical students and attending online webinars with RCSWA.
Emma said fostering early peer connections among rural students can also make a big difference to their medical school journeys.
“There’s something powerful about walking into your first day of medical school and already knowing someone from a rural area. It can help shape that whole first year,” she said.
Students who Emma has mentored as early as Year 10 now contact her from medical school, thanking her for the belief and confidence she instilled in them.
“You don’t realise the impact you’ve had until you get those calls and emails,” Emma revealed.
By investing early in rural students, RCSWA is helping to build a sustainable pipeline of medical professionals who not only understand the unique challenges of rural life but are committed to making a long-term difference.
That is why RCSWA is taking a “grow your own” approach - identifying, nurturing, and training students from rural and regional areas who will return as doctors to serve their own communities.
“Developing a rural medical workforce that is both resilient and deeply rooted in community - that is why we do what we do,” said Emma.
For any rural student contemplating a career in medicine, Emma’s advice is simple: “Chat to me!”
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