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Monash medical students explore youth health engagement in Latrobe Valley through workshops and a new journal

Four Monash medical students are working with Latrobe Valley youth to improve healthcare access and understanding, trialling a Youth Health Journal to support clearer communication and empower young patients.

By news@gippsland - 8th April 2025 - Back to News

The Latrobe Health Assembly is proud to host four medical students from Monash University's School of Rural Health as they explore innovative ways to engage young people with the health system in the Latrobe Valley. This initiative provides future healthcare professionals with firsthand experience in community-based health advocacy and service design.

Monash medical students in Latrobe Valley co-design youth health solutions, including a journal to improve healthcare access and understanding

Empowering young patients

As part of their placement, the students are facilitating workshops with young people to identify barriers they face when accessing healthcare and to develop strategies for better support. One key initiative being trialled is a Youth Health Journal, a tool designed to help young people record symptoms, moods, past medical history, and responses from healthcare providers.

The journal aims to empower young patients by ensuring they leave medical appointments with a clear and comprehensive understanding of their healthcare provider's advice. The placement students have already heard from students at Kurnai College Morwell who highlighted the benefits of the journal concept with one student saying

"This would be great, as I always struggle to follow what the doctor is saying and walk out of appointments confused. A place for them to leave me with notes means I can take my time understanding what they said."

Youth health focus

The students also said, "We know that navigating the health system can be challenging, especially for young people," said the Chair at the Latrobe Health Assembly, Tanya Rong. This placement is a valuable opportunity for medical students to learn directly from the community while supporting young people to take ownership of their health needs in a way that suits them best."

The project highlights the importance of youth-centred approaches in healthcare and demonstrates the value of collaboration between future health professionals and the communities they will serve. The students' placement aligns with broader efforts to make healthcare more accessible, understandable, and responsive to the needs of young people in the Latrobe Valley.

Pictures from Latrobe Health Assembly website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com