Expert / Session Specific Volunteers

UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine aims to produce excellent medical practitioners who are able to contribute to the enhancement of health care for patients in all geographic settings, but particularly in regional, rural and remote communities. One of the key learning activities for medical students is interaction between students and real people.

To accomplish this, the GSM has established a Volunteer Programme at both sites in Wollongong and Shoalhaven. This comprises of volunteers from the community who act as patients for our students. This ensures that our students learn and continually practice appropriate communications with real people; make diagnoses and have immediate access to ‘patient’ feedback.

What is the Expert / Session Specific Programme?

This is an opportunity for students to learn about the diverse nature of real issues and medical conditions that affect people in our community.

This could be:

• A person who has a particular medical condition and is stable enough to attend classes - e.g. heart murmur, cancer, diabetes, etc.
• A health care professional specialising in a relevant area of health, such as mental illness or dementia.
• A group of people from a particular age group - e.g. babies, school age children, adolescents, older Australians.
• A group of people from a particular culture or linguistic background - e.g. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

What would I have to do to get involved?

• You come in 1 - 4 times per year depending on the condition. The GSM will train or brief you in regards to what is involved.
• Transport, refreshments or any associated costs will be covered by the GSM (as appropriate).
• Your role is to assist students in the development of their skills, you will not receive treatment for any existing or new conditions. If however we believe you may need to seek medical assistance, it will be privately discussed with you and an appropriate referral made.
• All personal details and information provided by Volunteers remains confidential. They will only be used by the GSM to determine and assist your initial and ongoing participation in the programme.

To get involved fill in the form below and send to the Volunteer Coordinators at Wollongong or Shoalhaven.

Expression of Interest Form

• Download Expert / Session Specific Programme Expression of Interest Form [PDF 21KB]

Contact Details