Rustica commenced in 1995 in response to the lack of rural teaching at the University of Tasmania in medicine and other health courses. Three students and 2 mentors participated in the inaugural NRHN conference in Kalgoorlie WA in August 1995. They had so many ideas and were keen to get the club up and running for 1996. Two significant themes to emerge from the conference were the need to develop a national rural network to link clubs around Australia and to develop a multidisciplinary approach to rural health care.

A meeting was then held at the uni in late 1995 to gauge the level of interest for rural and remote health. Everyone seemed so keen that the rural club was born. Dr Myrle Gray was our mentor GP at this time.

There were a number of activities in 1996 including guest speaker talks from Dr Ras Simpson (Oatlands GP) discussing the highs and lows of rural general practice and showing his work in northern Australia with the Army Medical Corps, Mr Sinha (general surgeon) talking about medicine in Papua New Guinea, Dr Saner (Latrobe GP), and Dr Jane Goddard (Antarctic doctor).

There was a brilliant camp in Oatlands held by Dr Myrle Gray with 30 students, which has remained the benchmark for all other activities. The SES, and ambulance officers helped out with activities such as trauma management, mock scenarios, mechanism of injury, primary survey, intubation, cervical collars, traction splinting, cannulation, CPR< defibrillation, lifting and moving patients, and extraction from vehicles. There were also plenty of fun social activities as well.

Students also participated in a RUSC curriculum conference in Townsville and 2 students went to a student conference in Kenya.

1997 saw the continuation of guest speakers, another legendary Oatlands camp, skills sessions, an NRHN conference in Clare Valley, SA, and a Rural Doctors Association Weekend at Camp Clayton-Ulverstone, thoroughly enjoyed by all.

1998-RDA w/e Bridport

1999- bushdance, RDA w/e at East Coaster

2000-welcome to medicine and pharmacy, BBQ, skills sessions, Lady Nelson trip, bonfire night, Army skills session.

The club started with approximately 10 members, and has grown to be now over 140 in number. We are excited about its direction and look forward to a bigger and brighter future where all health professionals are well represented.

History of Rustica Executives