Cindy the synthetic cadaver helping Warrnambool doctors train local

Deakin University and the Peter’s Project Foundation are transforming regional medical education with the Australia-first introduction of Syn-D (‘Cindy’), a highly realistic synthetic cadaver offering hands-on training for medical and nursing students at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus. 

Thanks to the philanthropic support of Peter’s Project Foundation, Syn-D provides simulation-based learning, allowing students to develop critical clinical skills in a safe, ethical and sustainable way.

Peter’s Project Foundation Founder, Vicki Jellie, said the Foundation was proud to support initiatives that directly benefit regional students and the wider community.

Peter’s Project Foundation was established to address gaps in access to cancer care in southwest Victoria and has raised more than $5 million to support local health services and initiatives.

In addition to supporting the acquisition of Syn-D, the Foundation is also funding medical scholarships for first and second year medical students studying in Warrnambool, helping local students commence their medical training close to home and strengthening the future regional medical workforce.

Deakin University Chief Advancement Officer, Deborah Carr, said the partnership reflects the spirit of Deakin’s recently launched Together campaign and the power of collaboration between universities, communities and partners to create lasting impact.

‘The generosity of Peter’s Project Foundation is enabling our medical students in Warrnambool to access exceptional learning experiences and vital financial support, helping to train the next generation of doctors for regional Victoria.

‘Every life that’s saved down the track starts with giving students the best possible training today.’

Ms Jellie emphasised the collective impact individual community members can have when they work together.

‘We’re a grassroots group that came together around kitchen tables, supported by people across the region who believed in improving healthcare close to home,’ she said.

‘Every contribution, from $10 from a local pensioner to hundreds of thousands from a trust, mattered equally and helped us get to where we are today.

‘By supporting medical scholarships and high-quality training at Deakin, we’re helping attract and retain future doctors in south-west Victoria. That benefits the whole community, because we need skilled clinicians here, now and into the future.’

Through its Warrnambool campus, Deakin invests in innovative, future-focused learning environments, ensuring regional students can access world-class medical training close to home.

Together is Deakin’s call to imagine what’s possible and make it real, aiming to raise $150 million in donations and philanthropic support and connect with 150,000 alumni to open more doors for students, fuel new discoveries, improve lives and strengthen communities across Australia and around the world.

To find out more visit together.deakin.edu.au, email together@deakin.edu.au, or call Deakin’s Advancement Team on +61 3 9244 5150.