Networking events kick off for 2011 starting in Armidale NSW 

Sharna Bennett
University of New England

Being a medical student is truly wonderful. Second year in and it feels magnificent to be firmly set on a path of discovery and learning. I’m filled with high ambitions of caring for others and making difference to rural and regional Australia.

However, being a medical student can fill you with all forms of new anxiety: 
Will my sore throat lead to kidney failure? What if I fail exams? What if patients don’t like me? Was I always this paranoid? Does this mole look cancerous? Have I missed something?

Being a bonded student filled me with even greater anxiety:
Do I deserve to be in the medical program? Where will I end up? Where can I go? Will I be all on my own? Will the buck stop with me? Will I have time to start a family? Oh No! Twins run in both our families… what if we have twins?

Most of these paranoid episodes I’ve subdued with simple investigations (ie browsing texts, internet, contracts etc). However, it was amazingly reassuring to have most of my paranoid bonded questions answered informatively and in person.

The Networking Event in February was the first time I actually learnt who, in our small cohort, was also privileged enough to be in the Bonded Support Program: It was fantastic to see so many others, of varying ages and backgrounds, committed to rural health; It was terrific to know I was not on the journey unaccompanied; and it was comforting to ascertain I was also not the only one exhibiting some need of educational and vocational reassurance.

The evening removed the pressure I had been feeling over contractual obligations. The support shown and the information provided by BSP staff and our guest speaker eased my worries of being professionally and geographically isolated. Paranoia replaced with excitement and a desire for improvement and independence. The career paths discussed even assisted in ironing out concerns I had been experiencing over life balance, family and professional stagnation. And if I was to be completely honest… it also didn’t hurt that it was the best meal I had eaten in 2 or more months!

As a group we deliberated on enhancements to the rural learning experience, ways to nurture our development and our anticipation in pursuing this amazing career. By the end of the evening I felt satisfied and ready to ambitiously continue what often seems like such a massively overwhelming journey. I would recommend the evening to all BSP participants… paranoid or not.