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Lars Newman was born and bred in Dubbo and, after graduating from his medical degree, has chosen to return to his hometown to complete his medical training.
A career in medicine was not something he had considered throughout high school and university, but while working as a science teacher in Dubbo he made a number of friends who were doing year-long placements at the School of Rural Health (Dubbo/Orange). Throughout these friendships, Lars began exploring a career in medicine.
He was inspired to volunteer at a health clinic in Peru and this experience solidified his desire to change careers and enrol in medicine.
"I learned a lot on my year-long placement in Dubbo. Rural placements allow medical students to take on greater roles and responsibilities than in the large city hospitals where there is a wider separation between the levels of the medical hierarchy.
“Many students who have grown up in the city have a curiosity of what life is like in rural areas but have never had the opportunity to experience it. They generally come to appreciate the lifestyle and sense of community that rural areas are known for. Students are able to build strong relationships with their bosses and other health workers.
“[Since graduating], my intern year has been tough but rewarding. I have undertaken two rotations in emergency and will soon commence a cardiology rotation. I have learned an enormous amount in this time. Interns in emergency have the opportunities to perform a larger number of procedures compared to their city counterparts as there are fewer doctors available.
“I’m also currently in the process of applying for the GP training program. I want to undertake GP training through the rural stream with advanced training in emergency medicine. That way, I’ll be able to undertake most of my training in Dubbo and I’ll be of much greater use in smaller centres where GPs often work in emergency departments.”