2026 SCHOLAR - TC St peters congratulates 2026 awardee Isaac Trethewey
. Growing up on Kangaroo Island has given me a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by rural communities, especially when it comes to access to healthcare. Living in a small, close-knit community has shaped my values and my determination to pursue a career in rural medicine.
I have seen first-hand the importance of continuity of care, the value of community connection, and the impact that dedicated rural doctors can have on the lives of their patients. Studying at the Rural
Clinical School in Port Lincoln/Ceduna is an important step towards my goal of becoming a rural generalist and giving back to communities like my own.
The Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would greatly assist me in managing the financial pressures associated with living and studying away from home. My father is a farmer on
Kangaroo Island, and over the past few years our family has faced significant financial hardship. Our property was first hit by the bushfires that devastated the island, and now currently experiencing a
drought. These events have impacted my family’s livelihood and my ability to receive financial support during my studies. When I moved to Adelaide for university, I began covering all my own
living expenses, including rent, food, travel back to the island, etc. Each summer, I return home to work full-time in shearing sheds as a shearer and wool presser. The
work is physically demanding but has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. The income I earn during those months helps me get through most of the academic year, but towards the end of
each year my financial situation becomes very tight. The support from this scholarship would relieve a lot of that pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community involvement
rather than worrying about making ends meet.
Beyond the financial support, I see great value in being connected with Rotary. The organisation’s focus on service, leadership, and community aligns closely with my own values. I would be proud to
represent Rotary in the community, share my experiences, and contribute to local events during my rural placement. I feel as if this scholarship will help me relationships with leaders in rural health
which will future benefit my career.
Receiving the Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would make a meaningful difference to my ability to complete my studies and continue pursuing a career in rural medicine. It would allow
me to dedicate more time to my clinical learning and community involvement, rather than the financial stress that often comes with rural placements. I am passionate about returning to rural
Australia as a doctor and helping to ensure that people in communities like Kangaroo Island have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve
.2025 SCHOLAR Constance McIntosh