A partnership between the Spencer Gulf Rural Health School and Pika Wiya Health Service, has seen the successful introduction of multi-disciplinary student placements at Pika Wiya.  Medical, Nursing and Allied Health students have the opportunity to work alongside staff, to participate in community projects and to gain experience on Aboriginal Health issues and Cultural Awareness.

An increase in Staff Training and Development along with our Special Projects such as Dental, Podiatry and Allied Health but also includes joint projects such as Sharing Health Care and the Asthma Breathe Easy Program, allows Pika Wiya to be in a better position to promote and provide its clients with quality care.

Included at the end of this section, are some comments about the life changing experiences and personal reflections from students, who have completed their placements at this Service.

Medical students horse riding in the Flinders Rangers - 2001

Personal Reflections from Students who have had placements at Pika Wiya.

"I'd like to thank you for assisting me to in spending a wonderful 4 week attachment at Pika Wiya Health Service. Talking with Medical officers, Aboriginal Health Workers, clients and other Aboriginals I've come to a new appreciation of Aboriginal Health Care, their culture and predicaments. With my new perspective I am now more comfortable and confident with Aboriginal people and this will be a benefit to me forever." (Medical Student)

"I have gained an extraordinary insight into where people are 'coming from' regarding issues that are important to them. I feel that due to this exposure to people and their culture, I will be able to communicate effectively as a health care professional. I feel that since completing the trip I have achieved a personal objective of becoming a more culturally aware, tolerant and sensitive nurse. We would have a far more tolerant and educated country if all people had the opportunity to partake in a program such as this." (Nursing Student)