Student doctors recognised forcommunity work

MONASH University medical students Sophie Fontaine and Charlie Roach have been recognised for their contributions to Loddon Mallee region communities with the Bendigo Bank Community Project Award.

Established in 2017, the award highlights the community involvement efforts and contributions of Monash Rural Health’s fourth-year medical students, based at rural hubs across the region.

Recipients receive cash sponsorship and a plaque, and their name is added to an honour board at Monash Rural Health Bendigo.

While studying medicine in Bendigo, Ms Fontaine volunteered at St Therese’s and Bendigo Violet St Primary schools as part of the Teddy Bear Hospital program, which aims to make health care a less scary experience for children and boost their awareness of careers in health care.

She also worked several casual jobs including tutoring, cleaning and babysitting, and joined a Bendigo rowing club, a basketball competition, Rosalind Park running and bootcamp club Run About Bendigo, won a premiership with Kyneton Football Club, and volunteered with the Kyneton Kindness Collective, which runs a FoodBank and opportunity shop.

During her GP placement at Ranges Medical in New Gisborne, she spoke with residents at Warrina Aged Care and organised a jazzercise event for them.

“When going into a new community and wanting to make some positive change in a short amount of time, it is important to listen to the needs of the people and check that there isn’t already something available,” Ms Fontaine said of the experience.

“From this event I was able to refine my project management and communication skills, drawing upon my resources and building up my network to play a little part in offering a community-oriented and stimulating event for the aged care residents.”

Mr Roach was recognised for his involvement with the communities of Swan Hill and Mildura during his clinical placements there, with extensive involvement in local sport through park runs, riding with Swan Hill Bikes and Trikes, and joining the Murray Downs Golf Club.

He also volunteered at Nyah District Primary School as part of the Teddy Bear Hospital program.

In Mildura, Mr Roach joined the Mildura Running Club and Mildura Masters Swimming Club. He also volunteered with St John Ambulance and in his role as treasurer for Wildfire Mildura, Monash University’s student rural and indigenous health club, he organised several community events including a trivia night at Fossey’s Distillery where money was raised for the Salvation Army.

“Volunteering in both local communities, especially through St John in Mildura, further immersed me into the community,” Mr Roach said. “The more I participated, the more I became an active contributor.”

Mr Roach said his activities also gave him a better understanding of how he could be a better clinician in those communities.