Presentation Description
Sonia Saluja
To address medical workforce shortages in regional Australia, the Regional Medical Pathway (RMP) was established as a partnership of two universities and two Hospital and Health service providers, enabling students to complete the entirety of their medical education and training in regional Australia, creating 'home-grown' doctors. Studies indicate that extended periods of rural immersion during medical school are a strong predictor of subsequent rural practice. 1,2 The RMP aims to support regionally based students, allowing them to study, train and practice in their own backyard. A new medical program can be particularly exciting for stakeholders and the local community, however, there is often uncertainty and apprehension from potential applicants. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of the first RMP cohort via focus group interviews. Qualitative analysis of data was informed by published research articles. 3 Students reported diverse motivations for selecting the RMP, such as accessibility to study medicine closer to home, and the benefit of the partnership between the two universities. 44% of the first cohort were from regional or rural Australia. Participants spoke favourably of the new program, perceiving that they had an active voice in shaping the RMP, with the small cohort size facilitating a strong sense of community and greater access to teaching staff. However, they reported challenges relating to regional living, including limited access to public transport and housing availability.
These findings suggest that accessibility to medical education may widen participation of regional students in studying medicine. Support for students relocating to the regional areas to address challenges they faced was an important consideration for a positive student experience. These findings have implications for universities seeking to establish new medical programs. Inclusive partnerships between organisations may widen participation of regional students in medical programs and improve representation of regional and rural students in medicine.
References (maximum three)
- Laven, G., & Wilkinson, D. (2003). Rural doctors and rural backgrounds: How strong is the evidence? A systematic review. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 11(6), 277- 284. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2003.00534.x
- McGirr, J., Seal, A., Barnard, A., Cheek, C., Garne, D., Greenhill, J., Kondalsamy- Chennakesavan, S., Luscombe, G. M., May, J., Mc Leod, J., O'Sullivan, B., Playford, D., & Wright, J. (2019). The Australian Rural Clinical School (RCS) program supports rural medical workforce: EDvidence from a cross-sectional study of 12 RCSs. Rural Remote Health, 19(1), 4971-4971. https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH4971
3. Burnard, P., Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E. and Chadwick, B., 2008. Analysing and presenting qualitative data. British dental journal, 204(8), pp.429-432.