Metropolitan Medical Schools won't help rural workforce shortages
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson today questioned the wisdom of the Federal Government's decision to support Notre Dame University's new medical school in inner Sydney, saying more city medical places will do very little to get doctors into areas of need, especially the bush.
Dr Glasson said that to address rural workforce shortages, governments must improve the medical infrastructure and training facilities in rural Australia.
"Even if young doctors wanted to study in regional hospitals, there are not enough senior doctors who have the time to mentor and train the young doctors coming through the system," Dr Glasson said.
"We also need beds and nursing staff to train our young medical workforce.
"There is strong evidence both here and overseas that people from rural areas, or those who spend time in rural areas, are much more likely to practice in the bush.
"If we can guarantee better quality training in rural areas more country kids will take up a medical career.
"Rural training will also be a much more attractive option for junior doctors.
"The Government's press release states that only 60 of the 80 medical school places at the new Notre Dame University will be HECS funded.
"This means either another 20 unfunded, bonded places or just more Club Med School degrees with a $200,000 plus price tag attached to them.
"In the next few years there will be a big increase in the number of medical school graduates trying to enter the hospital workforce.
"Without a significant injection of funds there won't be the infrastructure to train and supervise these medical graduates.
"Commonwealth and State governments must start planning for this influx of new graduates now - or it'll be a case of 'all dressed up with nowhere to go' for our up and coming medical workforce," Dr Glasson said.