Deakin students experience working life in Western Victoria

More than 140 Deakin University students have been experiencing working life in Western Victorian medical facilities through a work placement program.

And university officials hope their taste for working in the region will turn into an ongoing commitment in the future.

The students from Deakin's School of Medicine based in Geelong have been learning their trade at more than 20 different health venues.

A total of 142 placements have been made throughout the district in 2009 and 2010. Placements have been mostly at hospitals but have also included medical clinics and the Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre.

This clinical placement occurs in conjunction with an inter-professional education unit medical students participate in during their second year of study.

Ms Sharyn Milnes, the Interprofessional Placements Coordinator said the placements helped students learn about working life in rural centres.

"The purpose of the placement is for students to experience and understand the working relationship with other health care professionals and gain an awareness of each role in the context of medicine and care planning," she said.

Deakin University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Rural and Regional) Professor Sue Kilpatrick said the extensive placement program would have long-term benefits for the region.

"There is much research showing that people who have a positive rural placement are more likely to return to practice in rural areas," Professor Kilpatrick said.