Utilities
Award-winning UWS program
Jane Kentmann
13th July 2012
An innovative program connecting University of Western Sydney (UWS) medical students with the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in regional NSW and metropolitan Sydney has been recognised by the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network.
The LIME Network, a program of Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand and funded by the Australian Government, is dedicated to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning of Indigenous health in medical education, as well as best practice in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students.
The UWS program places all 5th year medical students in a five week placement with an Aboriginal Medical Service.
Dean of the UWS School of Medicine, Professor Annemarie Hennessy, says the hands-on experience provides students with a broad understanding of primary health care and the many roles of an Aboriginal Medical Service.
“Immersing our medical students in the diverse communities they will serve after graduation helps to build closer connections and make better doctors,” says Professor Hennessy.
Indigenous Program Officer in the UWS School of Medicine, Cris Carriage, says during their placements with the Aboriginal Medical Service the students see the importance of community control for health care delivery.
“The partnership is providing students insights into the work of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and the communities they serve. I am delighted to have been involved in the development of the program which puts students at the heart of the Aboriginal community to experience Aboriginal health in urban, rural and remote settings,” says Ms Carriage.
The UWS program has been developed with the advice, support and encouragement of the medical program partners and through a strong commitment by School of Medicine staff.
Ms Carriage and UWS School of Medicine Rural Program Manager, Jenny Akers, accepted the LIME Award on behalf of the University.