FAQ

RuralUP is an opt-in program for Medicine students at Western Sydney University. It is targeted at Year 1 – 4 students and aims to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to learn about and experience rural medicine as an undergraduate.

Joining RuralUP means you have access to a range of activities and information related to rural medicine that will build your understanding, knowledge and experience of this field of medicine. You will have the opportunity to meet rural practitioners and like-minded students. You will be able to build a diverse range of clinical skills as well.

No, there is no cost to join.

Absolutely nothing! You can do as much or little as you like in the Pathway. Your activity level does not appear on your transcript. Joining RuralUP is simply an opportunity to access activities and information related to rural medicine that you can get involved in if you wish.

Yes you can! In fact, we would love you to. There is a strong demand for doctors in rural areas, and non-rural students are needed to meet this need.

The Tracker is a way to keep track of your involvement in RuralUP. By completing a short form for each activity you are involved in, you have a record of things you may be able to use later in your resume, scholarship application, your portfolio etc. Points are allocated to activities too (the more effort, the more points!). If you reach certain targets, you will be sent a Certificate at the end of the year.

Access the RuralUP Tracker (use your Western ID to login)

There are three RuralUP Certificates which reflect your level of involvement in the Pathway. They are: Bronze (50 – 74 points), Silver (75 – 99 points) and Gold (100+ points) Certificates. You will be awarded the Certificate that corresponds to the total number of points you have earned by 1 November each year.

You have the following options to receive your Certificate:

• at the RuralUP Presentation Event in November
• collect it from Campbelltown, Lismore or Bathurst Clinical School or
• by post.

No, it does not guarantee you a place. However, a high level of involvement in RuralUP (reflected by your points in the RuralUP Tracker) will be viewed favourably when allocations are done.