Twenty-five years of transforming the Northern Territory’s medical workforce is being celebrated this week by Flinders University.
Beginning with the Northern Territory Clinical School in 1997 in partnership with the NT Government and the establishment of the NT Medical Program (NTMP) in 2011, more than 300 doctors have graduated after training in the unique landscape of the Territory.
Today, 92% of Flinders medical graduates are Northern Territory residents, with more than a third of the current cohort of GP Registrar trainees in the NT being Flinders alumni.
As of 2021, more than 150 doctors have graduated from the NTMP. Twenty percent of graduates who enter via the graduate entry pathway identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Of our NTMP alumni, 63% have taken up junior doctor positions in the NT.
The Northern Territory Clinical School (NTCS) allowed Flinders University medical students to complete their final two years of studies in the NT. It was further expanded to allow medical students across Australia and overseas to also complete the final two years of their studies or undertake a placement in the NT.
The school was established to address workforce shortages in the NT by training locals as well as providing opportunities for students from across Australia to experience working in the Territory.
Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says across its 25 years in the Northern Territory, Flinders has successfully delivered nationally accredited, fit-for-context medical education that is designed by Territorians, for Territorians.
“From the beginnings of our clinical school through to our current Northern Territory Medical Program, our involvement has been shaped by the ever-changing needs and requirements of the Territory, ensuring we produce graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to be able to provide culturally safe care in such a unique environment.
“The success of Flinders’ many initiatives is borne of our unwavering commitment to partnerships with Government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Professional Organisations and local educational institutions including Charles Darwin University.
“This would not have been possible without a deep and genuine commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people within this distinctive, diverse, and incredibly community-connected region.”
Flinders remains focussed on growing the local workforce and today more than 80 staff work across its campuses in Larrakia land (Darwin); Yolngu land (Nhulunbuy); Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman land (Katherine); Warumungu land (Tennant Creek); and Arrernte land (Alice Springs), providing education, training, facilitating placements for more than 400 allied health and nursing students and undertaking research.
As the needs and expectations of the region evolve, Flinders will continue to innovate its offerings, an example of which is the introduction of the Bachelor of Paramedic Science in 2021.
Flinders University Rural and Remote Health NT Deputy Dean Professor James Smith said Flinders has long shown a commitment to growing a Territory-trained medical workforce.
“Our medical degree is tailored to train health professionals who understand the Territory’s diverse and culturally rich communities,” says Professor James Smith.
“Flinders is developing a home-grown workforce, graduating students who not only have an understanding and experience of working in rural and remote health but who often return to work in those areas after graduation.”
A highlight of the anniversary celebrations will see Professor James Smith alongside Associate Professor Karla Canuto, Associate Professor Kootsy Canuto and Professor Jaquelyne Hughes acknowledged with the prestigious Matthew Flinders Award.
The award recognises distinguished researchers in their field, and represents a significant research investment by Flinders in the NT.