The Rural Doctors’ Association of NSW and the family of the late Dr Andrew Egan are excited to announce that applications have opened once again for the annual scholarship that supports two medical students from rural NSW in their studies.
The Dr Andrew Egan Rural Medical Scholarship was established in 2021 to honour the memory of Dr Andrew Egan, who was a GP in Cooma for more than 30 years. Dr Egan was a Past President of RDA NSW after being a member since its formation.
Each year, the Dr Andrew Egan Rural Medical Scholarship provides $7,500 to two medical students from rural NSW, who are in their second year of Medicine, to help cover the costs of living away to study.
The scholarship also provides the opportunity for successful applicants to receive advice and support throughout their degree from an experienced rural doctor mentor.
Also included are the networking and education opportunities offered through attendance at the Medical Students Conference and the Rural GPs Conference, which RDA NSW co-host with the NSW Rural Doctors Network.
Recipients of the scholarship in 2024, Emily Smith and Isabel Moore agreed that the scholarship was incredibly rewarding and a highlight of the year.
Isabel Moore said, ‘The program has opened many avenues for me, enabling me to dedicate more time to my studies. This support has allowed me to excel in each of my subjects beyond previous years.
‘My passion for rural medicine was further enriched through connections with members of this community, including my mentor, who provided valuable guidance and advice for both my studies and future career.
‘I strongly encourage any students interested in rural medicine to apply for this scholarship which fosters both personal growth and professional development as a future rural doctor.’
Encouraging the next generation
RDA NSW President Dr Rachel Christmas, said, ‘This year the RDA NSW and the Egan Family are excited to celebrate one of the first scholarship recipients, Dr Pip Kensit, commencing her internship in Orange.
‘Pip grew up on a property between Crookwell and Boorowa and trained and worked as a nurse in rural NSW before deciding to study medicine. We wish Pip well during the next stage of her career and are proud to have been able to have supported Pip during her journey in rural medicine so far.
‘The RDA NSW is a non-profit organisation working to ensure the viability of rural medical practice and help grow the rural doctor workforce for the benefit of rural communities, particularly by addressing key industrial issues,’ said Dr Christmas.
‘We also have a strong interest in engaging, encouraging and mentoring the next generation of rural doctors – both medical students and newly graduated doctors.
‘We are proud to continue working with the Egan family to offer medical students the opportunity to apply for financial and mentoring support while they are on their pathway to becoming a rural doctor and to ensure Andrew’s legacy continues to benefit the rural communities he cared so much about.’
