As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of rural health, it’s essential to reflect on the stories of those who are dedicated to improving healthcare access and services in our rural communities. One such story is that of a passionate medical student who is not only committed to the future of rural health but has already made significant strides in this field. Geraldine, a medical student nearing the completion of her degree, shares her journey, aspirations, and commitment to bringing about lasting change in rural healthcare.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Rotorua, Geraldine’s journey into medicine was shaped by a deep sense of community and a desire to make healthcare accessible to those who need it. Being the first in her family to attend university, Geraldine recognised early on the inequities in healthcare and felt a strong calling to bridge the gap. This drive was further ignited during her first year of university when she participated in a Grassroots Rural Health trip. The experience exposed her to the unique challenges rural communities face and solidified her commitment to rural health.
“Growing up, I saw many families struggle to access the medical care they needed, and that stuck with me. When I entered university, I was determined to pursue medicine with a focus on making healthcare more equitable for those in rural and underserved communities,” says Geraldine.
A pivotal moment in Geraldine’s journey came when she was awarded the Rural Health Scholarship for her project, ‘Understanding Inequity in Access to Specialised Healthcare in Rural Communities Aotearoa’ a year ago. The scholarship not only provided essential financial support but also allowed her to dive deeper into research on rural healthcare access.
“The scholarship has been invaluable in my studies. It has given me the freedom to focus on my education and my placements, especially during clinical years when balancing full-time study with part-time work can be challenging,” reflects Geraldine. “But perhaps more importantly, it allowed me to conduct research on rural healthcare access and see firsthand the unique barriers these communities face in accessing specialised services.”
One of the most formative aspects of Geraldine’s medical training has been her exposure to rural healthcare settings. Working in rural areas has provided her with a unique perspective on the healthcare challenges these communities encounter, but it’s also shown her the strength of rural life, particularly the close-knit relationships that exist between healthcare providers and patients.
“I’ve learned so much about the value of whakawhanaungatanga in rural healthcare,” says Geraldine. “Patients often form deep, trusting relationships with their healthcare providers, and this makes a huge difference in the quality of care. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of access to specialised services and the financial barriers that rural residents often face.”
This experience has reinforced Geraldine’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities receive the care they deserve, not just in terms of medical treatment but in a way that is culturally appropriate and respectful of their values.
One key area Geraldine is passionate about is encouraging more medical students to pursue careers in rural health. She recognises that while many students are curious about rural medicine, the financial barriers to rural placements, such as paying double-rent, can deter them from taking these opportunities.
“There’s a need to support medical students who want to gain rural experience,” says Geraldine. “Financial and logistical barriers often prevent students from undertaking rural placements, and this limits their exposure to the unique rewards of rural healthcare. If we can remove some of these barriers, we will hopefully see more students drawn to rural practice after graduation.”
As Geraldine prepares to graduate and start her medical career, she remains committed to her overarching goal: change. Whether it’s advocating for better healthcare access or inspiring rural youth to pursue careers in healthcare, her passion for rural health is unwavering.
“I’ve been involved in various projects throughout my studies that have emphasised the need for change in rural healthcare,” says Geraldine. “I want to continue contributing to that change and, importantly, I want to give back to the communities that have supported me on this journey. My hope is that I can help create a future where rural communities not only have their healthcare needs met but where there is equitable access to high-quality care.”
Looking ahead, Geraldine is focused on leaving behind a legacy of meaningful advocacy, change, and inspiration for future generations of healthcare professionals, especially rural youth. She is dedicated to ensuring that rural communities are better represented in the healthcare system and that the voices of those living in rural areas are heard.
“My ultimate goal is to foster a stronger, more inclusive foundation for rural health, where everyone feels valued and has access to the care they deserve,” says Geraldine. “If I can inspire others—especially rural rangatahi—to pursue a career in health, I’ll consider that my greatest achievement.”
For those considering a career in rural healthcare, Geraldine offers the following advice: Get involved. Rural health offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, and it provides a perspective on medicine that you won’t find in urban settings.
“Rural health is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact while building strong relationships within the community,” says Geraldine. “If you’re passionate about health and want to contribute to real, lasting change, rural health is the place to be.”
