The Rural Immersion program at the University of Queensland (UQ) is addressing the critical shortage of doctors in rural Australia by providing first-year medical students with immersive experiences that highlight the benefits of practicing in regional communities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance medical education and encourage future healthcare professionals to consider rural medicine as a viable career path.
Estella Le, a first-year medical student at UQ, is one of many aspiring doctors exploring the possibilities within rural medicine. “I always thought about rural medicine because I wanted a career that makes a significant difference to people’s lives,” Le shared. Her enthusiasm for rural healthcare was sparked during placements in rural areas while studying pharmacy, prompting her to seek opportunities that allow for more hands-on clinical practice in smaller communities.
The Rural Immersion program exposes students to life in various country towns, including Roma, a town located approximately 450 kilometers west of Brisbane. As part of their training, students toured local medical facilities, engaged with healthcare professionals, and participated in community activities that reflect the unique character of rural life. In its third year, the program encompasses visits to 11 towns across Darling Downs, Wide Bay, West Moreton, and Central Queensland.
Professor Bruce Chater OAM, head of UQ’s Mayne Academy of Rural and Remote Medicine, emphasized the importance of this initiative in attracting talent to underserved areas. “We’ve had students who have been really blown away by the opportunities in rural healthcare,” he said. He believes that firsthand exposure to rural settings is essential for fostering interest in these careers.
This year, Le and 10 other first-year students were sent to Roma, known for its rich agricultural history and as the site of the largest cattle saleyards in Australia. Students toured the recently opened multi-million-dollar Roma Hospital, met local leaders, and learned about the aeromedical rescue services in the region.
Jack Cornish, another first-year medical student, echoed Le’s sentiments about the close-knit nature of rural communities. “Roma appears to be quite close-knit; you see the same familiar faces—whether that’s the patients or healthcare professionals,” he noted. Cornish aims to explore various options but is drawn to the prospect of returning to a rural setting.
Local officials, including Maranoa Mayor Wendy Taylor, are optimistic about the program’s potential to shape the future healthcare workforce. Taylor stated that providing medical students with a taste of rural life is crucial for encouraging them to consider long-term careers in these areas. “Anything we can do to encourage and support young doctors coming out here, we are happy to do that, and they’ll have the whole of Maranoa behind them,” she said.
Starting in 2024, Roma will benefit from the expansion of the Darling Downs South-West Medical Pathway, allowing up to 144 students to complete their Doctor of Medicine degrees at the Toowoomba Regional Clinical Unit. Previously, medical students had to complete their first two years in Brisbane before moving to rural training hubs. Now, students can finish their entire medical degree in Rockhampton and Bundaberg, with third and fourth-year training available in Hervey Bay.
Professor Chater noted that this change allows local students to build their careers close to home. “We’re very excited that 88 percent of the student intake into the Darling Downs South West program this year grew up in the area,” he stated. This shift is part of a partnership between UQ, the University of Southern Queensland, and local health services, aimed at enhancing medical training and practice in rural regions.
Dr. Dan Halliday, Director of Medical Services at Roma Hospital and a UQ alumnus, highlighted the disparities in healthcare access in rural Australia. He emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive training pathway to attract students from local communities. “It’s not only about the career, but the lifestyle and community,” he explained.
Data from the Rural Clinical School indicates that programs like the Rural Immersion are effective in shaping future healthcare providers. Students who spend extended periods in rural settings are significantly more likely to pursue careers in similar environments. Those who complete a 12-week placement in small towns are three times more likely to work in rural areas post-graduation.
The establishment of the Rural Clinical School in 2002 has resulted in a remarkable increase in student numbers, growing from 31 to 223 by 2024. Professor Chater described this as a “perfect storm” of opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams in a supportive environment.
Estella Le believes her recent experiences have solidified her desire to work in rural medicine. “There’s a lot you can read on the internet and hear from other people about rural Australia,” she reflected. “But once you see for yourself what working in a small team is like, and what it’s like to form really good relationships with your patients, it has consolidated my view of working in the country.”
For more information about UQ’s Doctor of Medicine program and the Darling Downs – South West Medical Pathway, interested individuals can visit the university’s official website.
