Strategies for Success Transitioning Allied Health Students in Rural and Regional Areas
Ah Dam Jeon 1Nrhsn, Hamilton, NSW , Australia
Abstract
The shortage of allied health professionals in rural and regional areas has been identified as a significant issue that negatively impacts the health outcomes of people living in those areas. To address this issue, it is essential to develop effective strategies for successfully transitioning allied health students to work in rural and regional areas.
This abstract presents a proposed framework to support the transition of allied health students to work in rural and regional areas. The framework is based on the principles of student-centred learning and includes four key components: community engagement, experiential learning, professional development, and targeted recruitment and retention programs.
Community engagement involves establishing partnerships with local communities to provide students with exposure to the unique healthcare needs of rural and regional populations. Experiential learning opportunities, such as clinical placements, allow students to develop their clinical skills in real-world settings. Professional development activities, including the provision of mentorship programs, peer support networks, and access to telehealth services are essential to address the specific challenges faced by students working in rural and regional areas, such as limited professional support and social isolation. Finally, targeted recruitment and retention programs offer incentives to attract and retain allied health professionals, such as scholarships, loan forgiveness, and continuing education opportunities.
By addressing the unique challenges of working in these areas, this framework can help to increase the number of allied health professionals in rural and regional areas, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people living in these communities.
Biography
Ah Dam Jeon is a third-year student at Charles Sturt University, where she is pursuing a degree in Pharmacy. She currently holds a position as president of Rural Health Positive (RH+), a university-wide rural health club, promoting health study and professional development, and also as Allied Health Officer of the National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) which represents the future of rural health in Australia in 29 university Rural Health Clubs from all states and territories. In her roles, Ah Dam is focusing to unite undergraduate health professionals from all health disciplines to promote opportunities in rural and remote practice.