By Tyler Wright
The Rotary Club of Emerald & District is calling for high school leavers interested in studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy, medical science or related fields to apply for its MacLeod Murphy Memorial Fund Scholarship.
Applicants must live in Emerald, and if successful will receive $1,000 towards university supplies and utilities in 2023.
Emerald Rotary Club Vocational Chair Susi Wilson is a pharmacist and said the demand for staff in the medical profession is very high, especially in the Hills.
“The dropout rate for doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in the last couple of years was enormous,” Susi said.
“It’s still an amazing job, whoever is in this field loves it, and I hope that the world goes back to normal [and] that kids can study uninterrupted, being on campus and not doing things online.”
Due to Covid, the MacLeod Murphy Memorial Fund Scholarship has gone to three recipients over two years, and Susi is eager to award someone new.
“People can apply, and I hope to get multiple applications so that we can actually give it to multiple people,” she said.
The fund was established in 1981 in memory of Emerald’s first doctor, Dr McLeod Murphy.
Dr Murphy practised in Emerald for 30 years prior to his death that year, and the MacLeod Murphy Memorial Fund aims to support and encourage local students starting a tertiary qualification in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and other medical related fields.
Applications for the scholarship will close on Thursday 27 April 2023, with applicants required to prove they live in Emerald and have enrolled in medical studies.
Applicants can write a letter detailing why they have a special interest in the medical field and how they would use the funds.
You can submit your application to the Vocational Chair of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District at PO Box 46, Emerald 3782, or contact Susi Wilson at detmoldemerald@gmail.com
