On Wednesday the Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling, officially launched the new SA Rural Medical Program at Flinders Mount Gambier campus to an enthusiastic audience of politicians, local government mayors, LHN representatives, GP educators, Flinders staff, students, and community members.
Professor Jonathan Craig was MC for the proceedings and introduced Aunty Penny Bonney, local Boandik, Meintangk and Narrungga elder who welcomed everyone to country.
Professor Stirling spoke about the program and said it is a game-changer for rural health in South Australia.
“For the first time, medical students can complete their entire degree in regional South Australia – embedding them in local communities from day one,” Professor Stirling said.
“Flinders has been training doctors ready to meet the needs of South Australians for over 50 years and delivering health to Territorians for more than 25 years, including the Northern Territory Medical Program since 2011. This new initiative takes our commitment to the development of the medical workforce to the next level.”
“We know that students who train in the regions are more likely to stay and practice there, and this program will help to build a sustainable rural health workforce for South Australia.”
Students in the program will spend their first two years in either Mount Gambier or Renmark before completing their clinical training across Flinders’ extensive rural network, including the Barossa, Riverland, Hills Mallee Fleurieu, and Greater Green Triangle.
Dr Scott Milan, a local GP moved to the region 18 years ago, spoke to guests about his experiences as a rural GP and student educator. His passion for educating students shone through and brought such poignant authenticity to the proceedings.
Following the for
mal presentations, guests were invited to tour the campus with Professors Jonathan Craig and Robyn Aitken, observing students with their educators in various simulation scenarios.
The Rural and Remote Health team look forward to welcoming the Vice Chancellor to Renmark where he will launch the program in the Riverland on March 31.