The medical students from the University of Adelaide were welcomed at a Mayoral Reception last Wednesday.

Rural Health operations manager Deidre Patterson said 25 percent of medical students come to the country.

She said the experience of a work placement in the country is “quite different” to being in the city.

“They are thrown in the deep end, but they all get through it,” she said. “They are much more in the limelight.

Student Sebastian Koblar said he had a lecture about coming to the country for the year in 2011.

The opportunity to work one-on-one with doctors and be part of the community inspired Mr Koblar to come to the country. “We are here for a year which I think is great,” he said.

Mayor Brenton Vanstone spoke about the “unearthed gem” that is Port Pirie and said it was a pleasure to put on the reception. “I am in awe of all of you,’ he said. “You have my utmost respect.”

The placements are coordinated by the Disci-pline of Rural Health based at Port Pirie Health Services.

The students will be placed in practices throughout Port Pirie where they will learn

clinical skills under the guidance of doctors.

The students will also be exposed to a variety of specialised sessions including pediatrics, human reproductive health, geriatrics and surgery.

The students living in Port Pirie for the year are Emma Dawes, Kate Wilson, Melissa Bairstow, Sebastian Koblar and Caroline Wells

They have already thrown themselves into Port Pirie life, embracing sports including football,

basketball and swimming.