University of Notre Dame students Giselle Capacchione and Lucy Tisch-Lienert had a good learning experience during their recent visit to Yass Valley under the Rural Doctors Network Bush Bursary scholarship placement program.
Nursing student Ms Tisch-Lienert is one of the first in NSW to be awarded a RDN Bush Bursary scholarship. She is president of the Notre Dame Nursing Society. Ms Capacchione is in the second year of her post-graduation course and a student of medicine.
Ms Capacchione is keen to become a rural GP and so took the opportunity of being a part of the bush bursary program. "I feel fortunate that it worked out. The visit helped me understand what it's like to be a doctor in a rural area and what it's like to live there and receive healthcare," she said. "It also helped me learn more about the community."
During her two-week visit in January, she spent time with two medical practices and visited aged care homes. "The town has an interesting mix of population. A lot of older people prefer moving to Yass as it is a small town and that is a crucial part for a healthcare provider, so it was very informative to get to know about," she said.
"Health patients were welcoming and wanted to share what was going on with them, which made it a valuable learning opportunity as I felt involved with what was going on, and hands-on experience as well."
Born and raised in Sydney, Ms Capacchione said she would love to come back to Yass for a visit or work someday. "Sydney is hectic and Yass gives that perfect balance of being in a relaxed place while also being close to the city if you need to be there. You also get the opportunity to do interesting work here," she said.
"My time in Yass confirmed my desire to work rurally in the future. I love the lifestyle here and the close relationships between people and the community."
She also had free time at karaoke nights at a local pub, and the weekly Parkrun.
