Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (Medical Deans) welcomed today's announcement by the Australian government of their investment in more medical school places based in the Northern Territory, through the establishment of a medical school at Charles Darwin University and 6 additional places for Flinders University's Northern Territory Medical Program.
President of Medical Deans, Professor Michelle Leech AM, said "investing in Australian trained future doctors is crucial so that patients are able to access the healthcare they need, and we are pleased to see this investment being targeted at those regions most in need of more doctors."
"Data shows that students who have the opportunity to learn in rural communities, as well as those from a rural background, are more likely to seek to pursue a rural medical career" added Professor Leech.
The Medical Deans' 2023 National Data Report1 on its annual survey of graduating medical students showed 37 percent indicated a preference a future career outside a capital city, with this figure increasing to 73 percent of those from a rural background. Of those respondents who undertook a rural placement of at least a year, 64 percent wanted to work outside a capital city and 44 percent were seeking a career working in regional towns, smaller towns or small communities.
"Enabling universities to deliver medical programs in rural and regional areas is vital so students can study and learn in the regions where we need them and where they want to be."
