The Trustees of the Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust have announced their decision not to award any scholarships for 2020/21 due to the travel restrictions created by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust’s vision is for our work and the experiences that these medical students gain on their international electives to ultimately contribute to the quality of rural health services in all regions of New Zealand,” said Trustee, Mrs Sue Farry.
“Given the current environment with COVID-19, the Trustees do not foresee that there will be any overseas travel for these students within the 2020-2021 timeframe and, as a result, have decided not to award any Travelling Scholarships this year,” said Mrs Farry.
The vision of the late Pat Farry and the core purpose of the Trust established in his name is to create sustainable and quality health services for rural communities and small towns of New Zealand through education. In the past decade the Trust has awarded 28 scholarships to 6th year medical students most of whom have been enrolled in the Rural Medical Immersion Programme. The scholarships provide financial support to undertake trainee intern electives in innovative and challenging overseas situations.
“Since 2011, 28 medical students have benefited from the Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust’s scholarship programme receiving scholarships and grants totalling $105,000,” said Mrs. Farry.
Earlier this year, 2019/2020 Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust Travelling Scholarship recipient Cameron Toogood traveled to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The plan was then to travel to Darwin, Australia. However, his plans were dashed by travel restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Cameron subsequently returned to New Zealand and took up a position at Gisborne Hospital. Cameron has documented his experiences via blog on the Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust’s website and Facebook page.
“On behalf of all the Trustees, we wish all this year’s 6th year medical students the best of luck for their final year, electives, and examinations. We look forward to offering the Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust Travelling Scholarship in 2021/22,” said Mrs Farry.
ENDS
Contact:
Claire Dooney
Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust
Tel: 027 632 0821
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