Parties Must Do More To Attract Young Doctors To Rural Australia

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 19 Nov 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) is calling for greater incentives and support to attract medical students and junior doctors to work in rural areas.

AMSA National President Mr. Rob Mitchell said, "we are in the midst of a medical workforce crisis, spanning across both rural and regional Australia.

"We must do more to entice young doctors to these areas of workforce need."

AMSA is calling on both parties in the lead-up to the federal election to address strategies to recruit and retain a medical workforce in these regions.

"We must improve the General Practice educational environment in order to attract young doctors to the profession. A capital grants fund is needed to develop the infrastructure required for an improved teaching environment, and to support GP supervisors.

"We must also be smart about our present funding allocations. The HECS Reimbursement Scheme, while a positive program, requires a greater financial commitment to make it attractive to junior doctors.

"The Bonded Medical Places Scheme in its present form offers no monetary incentive for students to work in areas of workforce need. HECS Relief is required if this program is to succeed in its aim to retain young doctors," said Mr. Mitchell.

International evidence demonstrates one of the strongest factors enticing students to work in rural areas includes positive experiences held early in medical training.

"The Labor Party's commitment to expand the John Flynn Scholarship Program is commendable. AMSA is calling on the Coalition to match this expansion, and for both parties to increase the number of RAMUS scholarships in line with the increase in medical student numbers."

http://www.ama.com.au

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