Dunstan Hospital rural hospital specialist and Alexandra co-ordinator for the immersion programme Dr Rachel Lynskey said the programme allowed fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students to spend a full year immersing themselves in the rural workforce and community.
It is the second year Dunstan Hospital has taken part in the programme, which started in 2007.
Dr Lynskey said the ultimate aim of the immersion programme was to attract medical students into a career in rural medicine.
"The longer the placement the more likely students are to return post-study," she said.
Students would gain experience working on the wards or in outpatients at Dunstan Hospital as well as working with general practice doctors, midwives and health providers like Uruuruwhenua Hauora.
"The idea is that students can learn more treating patients," Dr Lynskey said.
Students who wished to take part in the programme had to apply and be interviewed to take part.
They then listed their preference for where they would like to take part in the programme, one of the options being Dunstan.
Medical student and programme participant Millie Simpson said there was more opportunity for hands-on work at Dunstan when compared to the cities.
Fellow medical student and programme participant Anna Donaldson said she liked the smaller towns, as they offered more variety.
She also felt medical practitioners felt more valued when in rural settings compared to the cities.
Part of the interest in Dunstan for Ms Donaldson was the fact there was a drive to provide quality rural healthcare, she said.
The university year started last week, and the students said they had enjoyed their time in Central Otago so far.
After completing a year at Dunstan, the four students would return to Dunedin to finish their degree.
ella.jenkins@alliedpress.co.nz
