Doctors working in regional, rural and remote Australia have an opportunity to help shape rural healthcare policies by taking part in the Australian Medical Association's latest Rural Health Issues Survey .
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen has urged all doctors working in regional, rural and remote areas to take part in the 2025 survey to ensure their voices are heard on crucial issues affecting access to rural healthcare ahead of the federal election.
"Working as a rural doctor can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with its own unique challenges," Dr McMullen said.
"Workforce shortages, infrastructure issues, the challenge of distance, and higher incidences of major illnesses among the population are all issues our rural doctors deal with every day. The AMA has been calling for dedicated strategies and investments to support our rural workforce for years.
"We want rural doctors to share their experiences with us and tell us what the priorities should be ahead of the federal election. We will use the results of the survey to ensure rural health is on the agenda of all politicians."
The AMA has run the Rural Health Issues Survey every three years since 2016, and each iteration has provided crucial insights into the issues that impact both patients and doctors in rural Australia and how to address them.
The 2022 Rural Health Issues Survey highlighted critical gaps in training pathways for rural doctors and workforce retention issues.
The AMA used the survey results to call for a range of policy measures, including extra funding and resources to support staffing levels and establishing regional training networks to enhance opportunities for specialist training in rural areas.
AMA Council of Rural Doctors Chair Dr Ian Kamerman said while the survey highlighted the urgent need for reform, an overwhelming number of respondents also expressed the deep fulfilment they experienced from serving rural communities.
"We know how rewarding a career in rural health is, but investment and reform is needed to address a range of issues, including workforce and training opportunities, to ensure it remains an attractive pathway for young doctors," Dr Kamerman said.
The 2025 Rural Health Issues Survey is open to all doctors practising in regional, rural or remote Australia, as well as doctors who have previously worked in those areas. The survey will close on 19 February.
