Seventeen-year-old Campbell MacLean of Albury is the recipient of the 2021 AlburyCity medical scholarship, which is offered to first year medical students at the University of New South Wales’ Rural Clinical School of Medicine.
The scholarships have been provided since 2007, with more than 30 local students receiving help to begin their studies.
The program encourages doctors to practice in regional communities once their studies have been completed.
Campbell, who has lived in the Albury-Wodonga area for most of his life, has a passion to study medicine so he can help others.
With first-hand experience of the level of clinical care and support required by loved-ones with serious medical conditions, he is keen to make a positive difference in the lives of others in his community.
He has a strong connection to regional communities and understands the challenges that sometimes face people outside of the metropolitan areas.
“In the long-term I’d prefer to live regionally, and as a regional doctor I’d be able to help people by giving back to the community that’s given so much to me,” he said.
Presenting the scholarship today, Mayor Kevin Mack said AlburyCity was proud to support local students who would pay it back many times over by working in regional communities when they qualify.
“We all know regional communities desperately need highly-qualified medical professionals and by supporting the students of today we know that we’re providing even more help to the region’s patients of tomorrow,” he said.
Campbell will study in Port Macquarie but will continue to call Albury home.