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10.3 Interdisciplinary Student-Led Clinic in Central Queensland: A JCU–CHH Partnership

Tracks
Crown Ballroom 3B
Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:05 PM - 5:35 PM
Crown Ballroom 3B

Details

Format: Academic or scientific verbal presentation (30-minute)


Speaker

Mrs Wendy McPhee
Clinical Training Co-ordinator
Emerald Medical Group

Interdisciplinary Student-Led Clinic in Central Queensland: A JCU–CHH Partnership

5:05 PM - 5:35 PM

Abstract Overview

This presentation explores the outcomes and model of a unique academic-service partnership between James Cook University (JCU) and Central Highlands Healthcare Ltd (CHH), delivered in Emerald, a rural community in Central Queensland. Together, we have implemented an interdisciplinary, student-led allied health clinic co-located in a general practice setting. This clinic utilises a service-learning approach that integrates clinical placement with community need, enhancing both student competency and local service capacity. The initiative provides individual and group clinic services prioritising underserved rural populations, and spans disciplines such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, exercise physiology, dietetics, psychology and social work. The clinic addresses health needs including chronic pain, cognitive decline, social wellbeing, and paediatric development. Supervised by university-employed clinical educators, students on placement engage in collaborative service delivery and reflect critically on practice. Preliminary outcomes indicate improvements in student interprofessional skills, increased access to allied health services, and strengthened community partnerships. This presentation will share the structure, processes, and key lessons of the model, offering insights for rural health workforce development and sustainable healthcare innovation.

Biography

Professor Ewen McPhee is a rural generalist (obstetrics) and general practitioner in the Emerald community. He has an appointment with the JCU CQ University Department of Rural Health. He is passionate about rural communities and interested in safety and quality care. A past President of both ACRRM and RDAA, he is well aware of the challenges and opportunities that rural and remote health care create for research. Prof McPhee is a member of the ACRRM Research Community and sits on the Clinical and Technical Committee of the Australian Digital Health Agency.
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