Rural Week is the University of Tasmania's annual program where more than 120 second-year medical students are placed in rural communities to learn how healthcare is accessed and delivered in the regions.

Students learn about the unique health issues affecting rural residents during clinical placements at general practices, regional hospitals, aged care facilities, health hubs and pharmacies and meetings with local government, community service providers and industry representatives.

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Rural Clinical School director Dr Lizzi Shires said experiencing rural health was a vital part of each student's overall training.

"Rural Week forms an integral part of the medicine curriculum as it complements what the students are already learning about rural health with practical first-hand experiences," Dr Shires said.

"Students live and work rurally, talking to residents, health professionals and community representatives to gain a better understanding of what the everyday health issues really are.

"It is important that all future doctors understand rural health issues, so wherever they end up working, they can identify and treat rural people appropriately to improve access to health care."

Medical students will be touring the Royal Flying Doctor Service base at Western Junction on Tuesday and spending time at the Longford Men's Shed & Community Garden on Tursday as part of Rural Week.

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