A Students perspective on Rural Clinical School sites - Ballarat
Attending a Rural Clinical School was always a given for me, but making the choice of site was not as simple. The decision to come to Ballarat was definitely a good one; I have really enjoyed living and studying here. The location of Ballarat is ideal. Only an hour and twenty minutes by train from Melbourne, I have been able to maintain links with friends in the city and attend events easily.
As a large regional centre, Ballarat itself has everything that you need. As a student group, we have enjoyed participating in sporting competitions, going to the cinema, eating out, watching local performing arts productions and getting involved in community events such as the Relay for Life.
In addition to the benefits of lifestyle, the Ballarat Base Hospital is a fantastic place to learn. The teaching staff are very committed and helpful, and patients are usually very willing to assist students with their learning. A diverse array of services and specialties is provided by the hospital, which is also associated with a well-equipped rehabilitation facility that is accessible to students.
Although there is no Neurology or Endocrinology department per se, visiting specialists provide these services on a regular basis and are willing to teach students. Overall, the medical and surgical teaching in Ballarat has been stimulating and made relevant through meeting patients on a daily basis.