By Elspeth Radford

Flinders University has secured the largest share of a new federal program that aims to increase the number of medical students studying in regional Australia.

The University will receive $19.7 million in Commonwealth funding to establish a new rural medical program, with up to 46 medical student places available per year from 2025.

This will enable Flinders to offer a four-year Doctor of Medicine degree that can be completed entirely in regional South Australia, building on more than 25 years of experience in delivering first-class medical education in rural and remote communities.

John Brennan was a geologist before studying medicine at Flinders, and as part of the Doctor of Medicine Rural Stream program, he spent his third year in the Hills Mallee Fleurieu region.

“The combination of the opportunity for one-on-one learning with a broad range of medical staff, and exposure to a wide variety of clinical presentations, makes it an outstanding learning opportunity,” he says.

“There are so many different pathways to medical school. It’s not only about getting a near-perfect ATAR and jumping straight into medicine from high school.”

John believes that the post-graduate entry to medicine at Flinders is beneficial. “You get students with a wider view of the world and more life experience.”

Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says the Rural Medical Training grant is recognition of Flinders’ national leadership and innovation in rural and remote health.

“Flinders University is a proven leader in producing rural doctors who are well prepared for the challenges and rewards of rural practice,” Professor Stirling says.

“We know that students who study in the country are more than three times as likely to choose to work in rural areas compared to their city-based peers.” – Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling

“This funding will allow us to expand opportunities for medical students to complete their four-year degree by studying entirely in rural South Australia, further increasing the likelihood of them choosing to work in rural practice after graduation.”

Flinders has been awarded 25 percent of the new medical places, the largest allocation to any single institution, with the rest distributed among five other universities across five different states.

Professor Stirling says the funding will provide new teaching and learning facilities, student accommodation, and expert local academic and professional staff across Flinders’ SA regional footprint, which includes the Barossa, Renmark, Berri, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor and Mount Gambier.

“Flinders University had always been a pioneer in medical education and this new investment from the Commonwealth is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of regional communities,” says Professor Stirling.

Dr James McLeod (BMedSc ’06, BMBS(GradEntry) ’09) loved his clinical year as a student in the Riverland, and returned as a GP and clinical educator based in Renmark.

“You don’t just assess and treat patients and send them off never to be seen again. You follow them up and see if your treatments have worked, analyse their results and work with them to help fix their problems. Being interested in agriculture and the great outdoors, I find I relate very well to my patient base and often start a consultation asking about fishing tips or discussing local farming issues,” he says.

“I love teaching and I believe I have one of the most interesting jobs going around, so I really want to get others involved. I find it fun and challenging as my pupils are rather clever and they always ask tricky questions. They keep my knowledge base sharp and keep me enthusiastic about my profession. I am hopeful that I can influence students to consider a career in rural medicine, either as a rural general practitioner or as a specialist who will visit rural areas.”

Medical students who are part of the rural program benefit from early and sustained exposure to rural health settings, learn alongside other health disciplines in interprofessional teams, and develop strong connections which enhance their professional and personal development.

Graduates are highly sought after by employers and make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of rural Australians.

The SA Rural Medical Program will give opportunities for rural students to study medicine without leaving the regions.

Dr Sarah Willoughby (BMedSc ’08, BMBS(GradEntry)’11), originally from Keith in the South-East of SA, left home to pursue studies for her chosen career. She spent her third year as part of the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum program in the Greater Green Triangle, and following her post-graduate years, returned to Naracoorte as a GP and clinical supervisor. Dr Willoughby is keen to see more rural students study medicine at Flinders.

There are more opportunities to complete your studies rurally, and it’s worth it in the end when you get to come home as a qualified doctor and really make a difference,” she says. “The SA Rural Medical Program will give opportunities for rural students to study medicine without leaving the regions.”

“We thank the Federal and South Australian governments, health service partners and our communities for their continued support and recognition of the excellence of our medical offerings,” Professor Stirling says.