Students at the Rural Clinical School (RCS) are well supported - academically, socially and financially. The RCS provides generous Student Support (PDF 129.6 KB) for our students. RCS Student Support provides financial assistance with day to day costs, travel and relocation bursaries and accommodation assistance.
RCS students are allocated a Clinical Academic Mentor who is a member of the academic staff and part of the RCS team of lecturers in rural medical practice.
Students meet with their mentor on several occasions during the year. While the meetings will be relatively informal, they should follow an agenda which reflects the student’s interests and concerns. Mentors are available by email and phone at other times and students may arrange additional meetings.
Other staff are also available for mentoring if required.
Ms Rose Moore, the Medical Education Advisor, also works with students with special needs who may have Learning Access Plans and/or Student Support Plans.
At the RCS Year 4 and Year 5 students learn together in many ways and senior students will often run practice OSCE scenarios for Year 4 students or act as peer mentors. This mutual support is strongly encouraged at the RCS. Students will also discover that junior doctors and registrars are happy to run extra education or skills sessions and give tremendous support to RCS students in the clinical setting on both a professional and pastoral support level. The RCS also has a comprehensive Student Support Program (PDF 129.6 KB) to assist our students.
The facilities at the RCS are modern and well equipped. Tutorial and lecture rooms are equipped with videoconferencing equipment so students can attend sessions whilst away on placements. Student facilities include private lockers, computer rooms, lounges, kitchen, BBQ area, flat screen TV and table tennis.
There are a number of student/staff activities such as the walk/cycle to work breakfasts on a Thursday, regular mountain hikes or the ‘Worlds Greatest Shave’ which was undertaken early in 2011 and organised by our students. Students are also able to join the 'Young Professionals Network’ which provides opportunities for social and professional networking.
Throughout the various programs offered to undergraduate medical students there is a strong emphasis on Community Partnerships. The RCS hosts a number of social events throughout the year to welcome community, political and university guests and, where possible, students are invited to attend.
North West Regional Hospital library (Richard Buttfield Library) is supported by the UTAS clinical library in Hobart.
The RCS at Mersey Community Hospital (MCH) also has a small library that is available to students.
Students can also access financial support from the RCS for conference attendance (PDF 111.1KB).
The RCS also provides IT assistance for students (PDF 487.4KB). If you have a problem or question please see the reception staff.
Dr Emma Warnecke is the School of Medicine (SoM) Assoc. Head Student Affairs who works closely with the RCS in ensuring that all students are adequately supported on an academic, professional and personal level.
In addition to the supports provided at the RCS the UTAS also provides support in a number of ways to students. There is Student Support where you can find course advice, assistance with your studies and counselling services.
RCS students can access counselling support through the counsellor, Julie Taylor, who is based at the Cradle Coast Campus. As a member of the UTAS Support and Equity Unit, the counsellor is able to link students to other UTAS support streams.
As well, the librarian at the Cradle Coast Campus of UTAS is available for any students needing assistance with educational resources.
Academic assistance can be found through a range of UTAS online tours and training materials for staff on library skills, academic and research skills, IT support and accessing help.
International students have access to the International Student Support Unit which offers information on things like health cover, Australian culture and living in Tasmania.