The Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) has welcomed the launch of Rural Health Conversations, a new podcast series supporting rural health professionals and strengthening Western Australia’s rural health workforce.
Developed collaboratively by WA’s four University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) – Curtin University’s Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH), the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University Department of Rural Health South West, and Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health – the podcast series features rural health professionals sharing practical insights, lived experience and advice on supervising students in rural and remote settings.
GUDRH Director, Professor Fiona Doolan-Noble, highlighted the importance of clinical supervisors, describing them as central to students’ learning and professional development during placements.
“This dedicated podcast initiative will provide support to supervisors by sharing practical guidance, real‑world experiences and peer perspectives that can enhance quality supervision and sustainable placement models”.
Episode 5 of the series features GUDRH Fieldwork Officer Rachael Tane and Allied Health Program Manager Helen Trunfio, who share practical insights on how connecting students with local communities enhances their rural health placements. The pair discuss immersion strategies, community involvement, and innovative activities that benefit students’ learning and well-being while on placement in the Goldfields. Listen here on Spotify.
ARHEN Chief Executive Officer Joanne Hutchinson said the podcast demonstrates the collective leadership and shared commitment of WA’s UDRHs to advancing rural health education.
“Rural Health Conversations is a great example of collaboration in action,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“By working together, the WA UDRHs have created an engaging, practical resource that values the expertise of rural health professionals and supports those supervising the next generation of health professionals.”
Supported through ARHEN funding, the podcast aims to provide accessible health professional education for current and aspiring rural health practitioners. Across the series, guests explore the opportunities and challenges of supervising allied health and nursing students undertaking rural placements.
Ms Hutchison emphasised the importance of high-quality supervision in building a sustainable rural health workforce.
“Positive rural placement experiences play a key role in encouraging students to return to work in these communities,” she said.
“This podcast supports rural health professionals by sharing real-world perspectives and practical tools they can use in their own settings.”
Rural Health Conversations is aimed at rural health professionals who supervise and those who may be considering future supervision roles, with the series available now on Spotify.
