West Learning Community

The UQ West Learning Community is situated in Brisbane’s south and western suburbs and outer metropolitan regions. The West Learning Community offers positive learning experiences in clinical care across a wide range of settings and gives students the opportunity to work across two hospitals and community providers. Medical students in all years of the MD Program are welcomed.

Primary Care

In partnership with general practices across greater Brisbane, clinical placements support our medical students to be involved in multidisciplinary primary care teams in the community. Active learning occurs in a diverse range of dedicated general practices, with students being taught by experienced clinicians, engaging in consultations and interacting with patients in the community.

Ipswich Hospital

Is a major acute teaching hospital located 40 kilometres west of Brisbane in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The hospital is part of the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service which provides services for over 280,000 people within the 9,521-kilometre West Moreton region. Ipswich Hospital has 351 beds and has specialities including anaesthetics, emergency, medicine, surgery, intensive and coronary care, orthopaedics, obstetrics, paediatrics, palliative care, rehabilitation, mental health and allied health services.

Mater Hospital

From their South Brisbane location, Mater Hospital Brisbane provides a wide range of adult surgical, medical and cancer services to the public. Established to support the healthcare needs of the Brisbane community in 1911, the original hospital was replaced in 1981 and now features a 24-hour adult emergency department, intensive and coronary care, day surgery, day oncology and day respite, as well as busy medical, cancer and surgical units. As well as this, Mater Hospital works closely with Mater Health's community outreach services to help Australians make better choices about their health, every day. From inpatient and day-only patient services to outpatient and specialist clinics. Earning a reputation for innovative programs and compassionate care!

Key Learning Community staff

Head, West Learning Community: Associate Professor Thomas Nathow

Clinical Unit Team Leader: Ellice Ablitt

West Learning Community contact: Med.westlcstudents@uq.edu.au

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Mater Health still require students to have 2 documented doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are unable to attend placement at Mater Health (nor can they be allocated to the West Learning Community).