(April 20, 2024) When Jasraaj Singh gained admission to the University of Melbourne’s medical school, her initial ambition was to become a neurosurgeon. However, she soon discovered her true passion for rural medicine.
Due to her dedication to rural healthcare and the significant contributions she made in this field, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) honoured her with the Medical Student of the Year Award in 2022.
Since 2006, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and RDAA have been recognising the achievements and commitment of medical students working in rural and remote health. This annual award honours the most deserving candidate who has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to rural healthcare.
Jasraaj Singh
“I was over the moon when I found out that I have been chosen for the award,” the Indian-origin healthcare expert said in a podcast. “By being part of the Extended Rural Cohort and moving from one rural place to another and getting a broad and interesting rural clinical experience, and exposure to the awesome rural communities was great. And then getting the RDAA Medical Student of the Year Award was a super proud moment,” she said.
The joy of working for rural healthcare
Born in Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jasraaj grew up on a macadamia nut farm at Didillibah, a semi-rural locality in the Sunshine Coast Region. At school she undertook a voluntary work at a local children’s hospital, which sparked her interest in the field of medicine.
“Being in that hospital environment and seeing the doctors, nurses and the allied health teams all working together with families and patients to help them get better was inspiring.” It left an indelible mark on the impressionable mind and Jasraaj realised that this is what she would like to do when she grows up – to take care of patients as a doctor.
Later, when she went to medical school, she got the opportunity to be part of the Extended Rural Cohort. As part of the University of Melbourne’s commitment to rural health, the Melbourne Medical School launched a Rural Pathway option within the MD programme. Hailing from a semi-rural locality in Australia, Jasraaj calls herself ‘a country girl at heart’. She felt drawn towards this option and ended up falling in love with rural healthcare, becoming totally immersed in it.
Jasraaj completed all her medical training in rural areas since the second year of her medical degree, including some internship opportunities at the interiors of Shepparton, Wangaratta, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Jasraaj Singh while receiving the award
“It has been such a rewarding, eye-opening and exciting adventure. I strongly believe all healthcare students should be undertaking rural placements in some way, shape or form,” she remarked.
While working at Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, she developed a deep appreciation for the ‘incredible skill set’ of generalist doctors working in remote communities.
“I have had the opportunity to meet incredible and inspiring people, undertake hands-on and practical clinical placements, become part of rural and remote communities across Australia, and develop my clinical and life experiences along the way,” she shared.
ALSO READ: Indian-origin Omishka Hirachund is bridging healthcare divides in South Africa
Misconception – excitement and real medicine exists in cities only
Not all students studying in big towns opt to work in rural settings. They do not find that exciting enough. “I aim to challenge the common misconception that all the excitement and ‘real medicine’ happens in the city,” remarked the youngster.
Based on her own experiences, she has come to realise that rural settings offer much more than commonly believed. She firmly believes that this segment provides a diverse range of learning opportunities for medical professionals.
“You get exposure to all different sorts of things and quite a balancing act is required for what you are often dealing with. There are sometimes complex social issues such as geographical isolation, issues with health literacy – and so there’s a lot to unpack. It’s a challenging but really interesting space, I think to work in.”
Jasraaj Singh and others
As a passionate advocate for rural health, Jasraaj has undertaken various volunteer roles aimed at changing perceptions. She served as the President of her university’s rural health club, Additionally, she held the position of President of the Surgical Students Society of Melbourne where she worked to improve accessibility to surgical research in rural areas. Jasraaj also chaired the society’s Rural Committee.
Finding bliss in the rural path
After graduating from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh started work as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023 and began practicing in Far North Queensland.
Following her graduation from the University of Melbourne Medical School, Jasraaj Singh commenced her career as a junior doctor at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in 2023, where she began practicing in Far North Queensland.
Jasraaj Singh with one of her colleagues
During her final year as a student, she had already gained some experience in the hospital through short-term work there. “I was drawn to the friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and opportunities to expand my knowledge of rural and remote health,” she had remarked adding, “I’m looking forward to the warm weather, close-knit community atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, tropical and rural medicine opportunities, exploring a new place and developing practical and useful skills to apply as a future rural generalist.”
- Follow Jasraaj Singh on LinkedIn
