The Future of Rural Medical Education in Australia

Abstract

Aims: This commentary considers the evolving landscape of medical education in rural Australia and highlights the need to renew and innovate in rural end-to-end programs. Context: The Commonwealth government has funded new medical school places to be based in rural locations across the country supported by accredited medical programs. This new era offers a welcome change to the medical education landscape but also shines a light on traditional curricula and selection processes in medical schools. Approach: We highlight current trends and areas for innovation in key areas of medical curricula. We frame discussion around the key graduate outcomes outlined by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and ask how we need to adapt to meet these outcomes for students immersed in rural regions for the duration of their studies. Conclusion: Rural end-to-end programs have the potential to positively shape the future of medical education and rural workforce for Australia by better aligning education systems to community needs, and matching programs to students with propensity to serve rural and remote communities. Curricula and placements will need to adapt to support future graduate outcomes. The success of rural end-to-end medical schools will also depend on support for local, rural and Indigenous student entry and continued support and advocacy for rural clinicians and educators.