Rural Horizons

Short-term Rural Immersion and the Evolution of Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Rural Healthcare

Abstract

The formation of rural intention—the aspiration of medical students to practice in rural settings post-graduation—is a complex process, particularly during the early stages of medical students’ professional and personal development, when career aspirations and life circumstances are evolving. Short-term rural immersion programs, such as the Kalgoorlie Immersion Program at Curtin Medical School, offer a unique opportunity to enrich this developmental phase through an experience of rural life and healthcare. This study examines the impact of the Kalgoorlie Immersion Program five-day rural immersion experience on perceptions of rural practice, career intentions, and interest in the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia of a group of second-year medical students. Using mixed-methods analysis of pre- and post-Kalgoorlie Immersion Program field trip data from 19 participants, the study found that the Program confirmed, refined, or opened the possibility of rural practice and interest in Rural Clinical School of Western Australia for students. The Program fostered engagement, addressed misconceptions, and helped students visualise themselves in rural settings. Short-term immersion programs like Kalgoorlie Immersion Program broaden the pipeline of future rural practitioners by complementing longer rural placements, such as Rural Clinical School of Western Australia. These programs help address workforce challenges in rural healthcare and produce well-rounded, empathetic doctors prepared to navigate diverse healthcare environments.