Geelong Clinical School

Barwon Health is Victoria’s largest regional health service, providing the full spectrum of care across primary care, community services, aged care, sub-acute, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care across multiple sites in the Geelong region. While delivering its key services at University Hospital Geelong, additional services are provided at Barwon Health North, the McKellar Centre and other community health services.

As a large regional teaching hospital, the Geelong Clinical School provides the best of both metropolitan and regional health care. Students receive high-quality teaching from a range of consultants, registrars and junior doctors – many of whom are Deakin graduates themselves. Students encounter a range of common and complex presentations while working within a friendly and supportive team.

Just an hour out of Melbourne, Geelong is the perfect location to achieve a great work-life balance. Located just walking distance to the Geelong Waterfront or a quick drive to the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast, there are endless activities to enjoy your spare time.

Key facts

• Geelong Clinical School is the largest school within Deakin's School of Medicine
• Barwon Health has 1016 beds and 21 sites across Geelong and surrounding regions
• Students have access to the Barwon Health Library service at St Mary's Library and Research Centre
• Highly equipped procedure, simulation and ward rooms are available at the clinical school for teaching and for students to refine their clinical skills
• Student accommodation is available at the Geelong Waterfront Campus

Where is Geelong Clinical School located?

Geelong Clinical School is located on Level 1 of the Health, Education and Research Building (HERB), behind Kitchener House. To enter, access the driveway from 285 Ryrie Street (opposite the emergency department) or Little Malop Street and proceed up the staircase. Limited free and metered parking is available in surrounding streets.

What does a typical day look like?

Daily activities vary based on clinical rotation. Students are invited to ward rounds, clinics and theatre, integrating into their assigned medical team with junior doctors, registrars and consultants. Students also attend organised lectures, tutorials, bedside teaching and clinical skills sessions.

What's it like studying at Deakin's largest clinical school?

Our large number of students facilitates plenty of academic and social collaboration. There are lots of opportunities for involvement with Barwon Health's variety of services and specialties, with students often split into smaller groups to have freedom of access to various hospital services, as required. The Geelong Clinical School Committee regularly organise social activities to celebrate key events and work to continuously improve the student experience.

In our commitment to address workforce needs and advance the health and wellbeing of regional, rural and remote areas, around 30 domestic places in the Doctor of Medicine are held for applicants applying through the Rural Training Stream (RTS).