Ben, a third year pharmacy student at the University of New England, was recently elected the secretary of the National Rural Health Students Network for 2012, which represents more than 9000 medical, nursing and allied health students across 29 university health clubs.

A long time advocate for rural health, Ben, became involved in UNE's health club as a first year student and said his role had continued to grow over the past two years.

"As students were are the future of rural health in this country," he said.

"So it's critical that we have a say on issues like inter-professional training , rural placements, scholarships and support for country students moving to the city to study."

In his role as secretary Ben, who is also the co-president of the University of New England's Rural Health Club (NERCHA) said he was looking forward to a busy year promoting student involvement in a number of the group's activities including Indigenous festivals and rural high school visits where club members give talks to country students about career prospects.

"I want university students to learn to love rural health," Ben, who hopes to gain employment in a regional hospital pharmacy when he completes his studies, said.