GP Taster Weekend 2026
Rural Health in Action
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, we welcomed a group of Year 4 and 5 medical students from the University of Tasmanian’s Rural Clinical School to the 18th GP Taster Weekend, held at the stunning Spring Bay Mill in Triabunna.
GP Taster Weekend offers students a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to work as a General Practitioner in rural and remote Tasmania. It provides a practical insight into both the challenges and rewards of delivering care in a close-knit community setting – something that can’t be fully understood in a classroom.
Throughout the weekend, students engaged in a range of hands-on activities designed to reflect the realities of rural general practice. A highlight of the program was the casualty simulation, facilitated by Johnson First Aid Training.
In this immersive scenario, students responded to a simulated emergency where a sudden storm had washed a group of fishermen off nearby rocks. Working under pressure, students were required to assess injuries, triage patients, and provide urgent care – drawing on their clinical knowledge while navigating the complexities of a real-world emergency.
This experience not only challenged students clinically, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
We extend our sincere thanks to Johnson First Aid Training for delivering such a dynamic and engaging simulation. We also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Dr Brian Treanor from the Tasmanian Rural Generalist Pathway, Dr Helena Ward, Dr Caitriona O’Sullivan (RACGP fellow), and Dr Jemma Allen (ACRRM fellow), who generously shared their time, experience, and insights with students across the weekend.
Their involvement plays a vital role in helping students see what a future in rural general practice can look like.
We’re proud to create opportunities like GP Taster Weekend – supporting the next generation of doctors to explore, connect, and consider a future in rural Tasmania.
We look forward to continuing this work and building on the strong interest and enthusiasm shown by students this year.