Two Rural NSW Medical Students Awarded the 2026 Dr Andrew Egan Rural Medical Scholarship
The Rural Doctors’ Association of NSW (RDANSW) and the Egan family are pleased to announce that two outstanding medical students from rural New South Wales, Ella Cowgill and Kainen White, have been selected as the 2026 recipients of the Dr Andrew Egan Rural Medical Scholarship.
Each scholarship is valued at $7,500 and provides financial support to assist with the costs of study, accommodation, and living expenses. Recipients also benefit from a year-long mentorship with an experienced rural doctor through RDANSW.
Established in 2021, the scholarship honours the legacy of Dr Andrew Egan, a highly respected procedural GP who served the Cooma community for more than 30 years. Dr Egan was a Past President of RDANSW and a longstanding member since its formation.
Ella Cowgill, (pictured above), who grew up in Bermagui on the Far South Coast of NSW, is currently a second-year medical student at the University of Wollongong. Her rural upbringing has strongly influenced both her decision to pursue medicine and her commitment to returning to practise in a rural community.
From July 2026, Ella will begin full-time clinical placements across a range of disciplines, followed by a year-long rural placement in NSW from July 2027.
Kainen White, (pictured above), the second recipient, is a second-year medical student at the University of Newcastle, studying through the Joint Medical Program. He grew up in Taree, where he developed a strong appreciation for the strengths and challenges of rural communities.
Kainen’s pathway into medicine has been shaped by resilience and personal experience, including supporting his family through significant health challenges during his Higher School Certificate year.
Like many rural students, both Ella and Kainen relocated significant distances to pursue their medical studies. Due to the intensity of their courses, maintaining part-time employment can be challenging, making financial support such as this scholarship particularly valuable.
RDANSW President Dr Rachel Christmas, pictured right, said the quality of applicants this year was exceptional. 
“Dr Andrew Egan was a highly respected colleague, friend, father, and husband. As a dedicated rural doctor, he provided comprehensive care to his community in Cooma, working not only in general practice but also as a Visiting Medical Officer across obstetrics, anaesthetics, emergency medicine, and inpatient care.”
“RDANSW is proud to continue working with the Egan family to offer this scholarship. It provides vital financial and mentoring support to medical students on their journey to becoming rural doctors, ensuring that Dr Egan’s legacy continues to benefit rural communities into the future.”
To download the media release, click here
Scholarship applications for next year will open in mid January 2027.
Call the RDA NSW Office on 1800 350 732 or email: [email protected] for any additional information.