KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) recently caught up with optometry student Louis Huynh over lunch on his final day of placement in the Atherton Tablelands. Louis was hosted by George & Matilda Eyecare for Atherton Optometrist for this placement, organised through HWQ and supported by the Going Rural North bursary program, an initiative funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.
Louis described his week in Atherton as “fantastic,” noting that returning to the Tablelands felt like a natural step following his earlier positive experience through HWQ’s GROW Rural program. That initial exposure to rural health inspired him to return, and he expressed his appreciation for HWQ in helping to connect him with a supportive practice willing to host him.
During his placement, Louis was already making meaningful contributions in the clinic, including providing an eye check for HWQ’s own North Queensland Health Workforce Connector, Renae Massa. It was a proud and practical example of a student stepping confidently into their future profession, while also giving back to the HWQ team that supported his journey.
The George & Matilda team delivered a highly engaging and well-planned placement, ensuring Louis gained exposure to a broad range of clinical experiences. He described the week as both informative and rewarding, with opportunities to see patients across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, with a wide variety of eye health needs. This diversity, combined with the strong support provided by the practice, left a lasting impression.
Outside of the clinic, Louis also took the opportunity to experience the local community. A standout moment was attending a trivia night, where he expected a small gathering that turned out to be a lively, full-house event.
Louis now moves on to his next placement block at Townsville Hospital, followed by Palm Island. With graduation planned for the end of the year, he has already begun looking ahead to entering the workforce as a graduate optometrist.
This placement highlights the important role rural practices and HWQ programs, such as GROW Rural and Going Rural North, play in supporting students, fostering positive placement experiences, and strengthening the future health workforce across Far North Queensland.
For information on these programs click the buttons below.
Pictured: Top - HWQ's Health Workforce Connector, Renae Massa with Louis Huynh on the last day of his placement on the Tablelands.
Below left - Louis treating Renae during his placement.
Below right - Louis during a practical skill session on the GROW Rural program in 2024.
