Two students from the University of Newcastle have received $5,000 scholarships to support their medical training in a rural setting. Katherine Whittaker and Sarah Mollard are both completing their studies through the University Department of Rural Health in Tamworth. Through the scholarships from the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, Katherine and Sarah will team up with a local Rotary club to develop links with the local Tamworth community.

Fourth year medical student Katherine said she intended to stay in the country once completing her degree. She said the scholarship would give her the opportunity to work with Rotary and get to know the local Tamworth community. Sarah, who is a fifth year medical student from Sydney, said the scholarship would provide financial assistance for her time in Tamworth. She said the experience she had gained from living in Tamworth made practising medicine in a rural setting a real option.

The students will be available for interview from Tuesday afternoon by contacting Media and Public Relations.