Meet our 2025 Scholarship Recipients

At Boots to Scrubs, we’re passionate about breaking down barriers for students from rural and regional areas who are pursuing healthcare careers. Our scholarships are designed to relieve financial pressure, create opportunity, and recognise the extraordinary resilience of those working to bring better healthcare to rural Australia.

Below, we proudly share the stories of this year’s scholarship recipients — in their own words. Their journeys remind us why supporting rural students is so vital to building healthier, more connected communities.

Marley – Riverland, South Australia

“I was raised in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, and I'm currently studying rurally through Flinders University in the Riverland, South Australia.”

When asked what she loves most about rural life, Marley says, “It’s hard to capture what I loved most about growing up, living, and working in a rural area (or just how much I loved it), in a few short words. But if I had to choose, the strong and beautiful sense of community stands out above all.”

Marley’s deep connection to her community began early. “As an only child raised by my grandparents, I was fortunate to be embraced and almost ‘adopted’ by local families, something that was not uncommon in our community. That deep sense of home, belonging, and genuine care is something I’ve yet to see or experience anywhere else.”

At 16, she began working in a local rural GP clinic, which shaped her passion for healthcare. “The continuity of care and the opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients is something truly unique to rural practice.”

But Marley also witnessed the challenges. “It quickly became clear how workforce shortages, and factors such as the ongoing difficulty in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, impact the quality and accessibility of care... Public transportation is almost non-existent in rural areas... this lack of transport becomes a serious barrier to accessing the care they need.”

Looking ahead, Marley aspires “to establish a rural specialist centre in South Australia” and “to be part of a movement that not only improves access to care, but also promotes health education and long-term wellbeing in underserved communities.”

The scholarship has had a life-changing impact: “It has eased the financial burden that had been weighing heavily on me and has given me the freedom to focus more fully on my education... Beyond the financial support, receiving this scholarship has been incredibly humbling. It’s a beautiful reminder that others believe in my potential.”

Caitlin – East Gippsland, Victoria

“I grew up in East Gippsland VIC,” says Caitlin. “I loved growing up regionally, as the strength of communities like mine could be both seen and felt... Living in a single-parent household, we had to rely on our neighbours... but due to their friendliness we never felt like a burden.”

She fondly recalls, “I was also an avid horse-rider growing up, so taking my horse for a swim in the river on a summer’s afternoon, and then down to the shops to get ice-cream… it was a beautiful way to grow up.”

Caitlin’s own pregnancy experience exposed her to the difficulties of rural healthcare. “Living in far east Victoria, the only local GP did not have a regular doctor... I was required to drive 90 mins to get to the closest obstetrician.”

Her goal is clear: “I aim to become a Rural Generalist, and provide care to underserved communities, and have special interests in women’s health.”

“The ability to focus on studying without worrying about financial strain and knowing I can provide for my little one has made such a difference,” she says of her scholarship. “This scholarship has changed my life!”

Kaitlyn – Wagga, New South Wales

Born in Sydney, Kaitlyn’s rural journey began when she moved to Wagga for work. “The quiet! I love that I can get anywhere in under 15 minutes (you wish Sydney-siders!). Also the community! The small town events and sense of community makes it home.”

However, she’s also seen the differences firsthand. “The lack of resources and services that metropolitan areas get... There are less healthcare providers, particularly specialists, and further distances to get care you need.”

Kaitlyn’s passion lies in mental health. “Psychiatry! I have worked in mental health in inpatient and community settings for almost 10 years as a nurse practitioner and love it!”

For Kaitlyn, the scholarship has provided security and peace of mind. “It means that I can study medicine in Orange and not panic that I can’t pay my mortgage or feed by kids who remain in Wagga... My family and I are forever thankful!”

Sofie – Albany, Western Australia

“I am from a relatively large regional town in WA called Albany,” Sofie shares. “Albany is so beautiful! It has some of the best white sandy beaches in Australia but also the most amazing Karri and Marri forests in the surrounding areas!”

Still, she highlights a key disadvantage in rural maternity care. “Even with Albany being a larger regional area, pregnant women with slightly complex pregnancies cannot deliver in Albany... mothers with complex cases must come to Perth.”

Her dream is to change that. “My hope is to become an OB-GYN and return back to these regional locations and offer these mothers the option to have their babies in the home town.”

The scholarship has allowed her to focus on study full-time. “At the beginning of the year I was trying to work and study which was just all too much... Now however, due to the scholarship which has eased my financial stress, I have been able to resign from my job... I have noticed both a drastic increase in my grades as well as improved physical and mental wellbeing!”

Caitlyn – Southern Cross, Western Australia

“Something I always loved about growing up in a country town is the sense of community - the fact that everyone is willing to pitch in and help out or lend a hand,” says Caitlyn. “My parents were both heavily involved in volunteering roles and so I was privileged to see the best parts of the community coming together.”

Her motivation for pursuing medicine is deeply personal. “Growing up, my brother had ongoing health troubles, and being in rural communities meant access to healthcare was really difficult for my family... The local hospital often ran without a doctor on shift... specialist appointments were a 9 hour drive away.”

Those experiences inspired her to give back. “It is my ambition to use my MD to work in a rural community and provide that community with much-needed health services to the best of my ability.”

She describes the scholarship as transformative: “This scholarship has really helped with the financial stress associated with my relocation from WA to NSW... Less financial stress has allowed me to focus on my degree and has given me the best possible chance at completing my qualification so I can give back to communities like the ones that have shaped me.”

Building a Stronger Rural Health Future

The stories of Marley, Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Sofie, and Caitlyn reflect what makes rural communities (and the people who serve them) truly special: resilience, generosity, and heart.

Through these scholarships, we’re not just funding studies — we’re investing in the future of rural healthcare. These students will go on to shape more equitable, accessible, and compassionate systems of care across regional Australia.

We’re honoured to support them on their journeys and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they’ll make in their communities and beyond.