For the first time in South Australia's history, aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities, thanks to Flinders University's new South Australia Rural Medical Program.
Sixty students in in Mount Gambier and Renmark have begun their studies in the landmark program, which is designed to address the critical shortage of doctors in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the program is a game-changer for rural health in South Australia.
"For the first time, medical students can complete their entire degree in regional South Australia - embedding them in local communities from day one," Professor Stirling said.
"Flinders has been training doctors ready to meet the needs of South Australians for over 50 years and delivering health to Territorians for more than 25 years, including the Northern Territory Medical Program since 2011. This new initiative takes our commitment to the development of the medical workforce to the next level.
"We know that students who train in the regions are more likely to stay and practice there, and this program will help to build a sustainable rural health workforce for South Australia."
Students in the program will spend their first two years in either Mount Gambier or Renmark before completing their clinical training across Flinders' extensive rural network, including the Barossa, Riverland, Hills Mallee Fleurieu, and Greater Green Triangle.
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler, says the Australian Government wants to see more healthcare workers in regional, rural and remote areas providing much-needed care to communities.
"That's why we're investing in a range of rural clinical training programs, such as the South Australia Rural Medical Program, to get more workers into areas of need," Minister Butler said.
"One of the best ways to achieve this is by supporting people to train in country areas so they create networks, become part of the community and want to stay."
First year student Nick Carrodus, relocated to Mount Gambier from Victoria to study in the program, said the opportunity had transformed what once seemed like an impossible dream.
"I always wanted to become a doctor, but it felt like a pipedream," he said.
"Now, I'm here with my family, studying medicine in Mount Gambier. I'm so grateful to be part of this journey and hope to give back to this community that has already given me so much."
The Federal Government has allocated 20 additional Commonwealth Supported Places and $19.7 million in funding from 2023-24, with a co-contribution from Flinders University to support 40 students in the program.
*All photographs credited to Georgia Paige Photography*
