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Medical simulation events help to inspire next generation of regional doctors

10 October 2023
A young man instructs two young women in a medical simulation scenario on airway management. They are practicing on a medical mannequin and are using an oxygen mask and bag.
Second year CQU Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) student Darcy Barlow leads an airway management activity with Destination Doctor participants Siyana Sajeev and Teleya Nercessian

A new generation of aspiring doctors has this week been given a chance to trial the profession at a series of Destination Doctor events held in Bundaberg and Central Queensland.  

The events were delivered as part of the Regional Medical Pathway, a collaboration between CQUniversity Australia, The UQ Rural Clinical School and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. 

Designed specifically for Year 10 students who are considering a career in medicine, Destination Doctor provides attendees with an immersive experience, allowing them to get hands-on with practical simulations and clinical skills sessions, while being guided and mentored by doctors, medical staff, and current students within the Regional Medical Pathway Program.  

More than 100 students from schools across the Wide Bay and Central Queensland regions were able to participate in a range of activities across the four delivery sites of Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Emerald. 

Activities including workshops in ECG, blood typing, airway management, CPR and anatomy were offered, and Virtual Reality technology was also used in some workshops to enhance the practical learning experience.  


A large group of students in school uniforms practice taking each others blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. One student sits on a mock hospital bed while instructors guide the others on how to use the equipment and check other vital signs.
Students learn how to take blood pressure in the vital signs workshop

Senior Lecturer from CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course Dr Andrew Fenning said the events aimed to showcase the realities of a medical career while also providing detailed information on the Regional Medical Pathway which is delivered in its entirety in Bundaberg and Rockhampton.  

“The Year 10 students who participated are about to enter their senior years of schooling and will also be finalising their subject selections, so this is a perfect opportunity for them to understand their post-school study pathways and what a career as a doctor might look like for them.  

“In developing these events we wanted to provide students with a fully immersive and engaging learning experience while also offering opportunities for them to hear from current medical students as well as both junior and senior doctors who are practising in the regions,” said Dr Fenning.  

“The goal of the Regional Medical Pathway is for all four partners to work together to attract and retain future medical professionals to the regions and to also provide opportunities for local students to study their full medical program in the region they grew up in.  

“Interest in the pathway is very strong and at the end of 2024, we will see the first cohort of students in the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) graduate from the course in Bundaberg and Rockhampton. They will then go on to continue their studies in the two regions through The University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine program.  

“We are really excited about the positive impact this pathway will have on our future regional medical workforces and our Destination Doctor events are helping to further showcase the exciting study and career pathways that are now available to local school leavers.” 

For more information about local study pathways for a career in medicine, visit CQUniversity's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) page.