Monash University is working to address the critical shortage of general practice (GP) doctors in rural Australia, with the announcement of an enhanced training pathway allowing students to complete their training in Mildura.
Enabled by a recent allocation of federal funding to train the next generation of rural GPs and Rural Generalists, the Monash Mildura General Practice Academy will support up to 10 new students a year to complete a four-year graduate-entry medical degree in Mildura.
While the University's medical degree has previously required students studying in Mildura to spend time in various metro and other regional locations, this pathway will allow students to study their course in the region from start to finish.
By helping future GPs to study locally, they are more likely to stay in the region.
Monash Rural Health Head of School, Professor Shane Bullock, said the University is committed to helping students prepare for careers as general practitioners and rural generalists who will serve rural communities.
"Sunraysia, the Riverland and far west NSW are among the most underserved for GPs in the country," Professor Bullock said.
"We are proud to expand our reach and provide more opportunities for people living in Mildura and surrounding areas to study medicine close to home.
The Monash Mildura General Practice Academy will give students the opportunity for hands-on learning about the specific and unique health needs of rural and regional settings.
They will work closely with the community through a diverse range of primary care placements in an innovative program designed in collaboration with local health partners.
The program is open to graduate students who have lived in Mildura or another rural area for at least five years, or 10 years non-consecutively, and have graduated with an eligible health degree or have equivalent experience as a trained health professional in an eligible field.
Monash Rural Health Mildura Director, Associate Professor Fiona Wright, said the program will be transformative for the Sunraysia region.
"This initiative provides an incredible opportunity for residents of Mildura and surrounds to study medicine locally and ultimately deliver much-needed health services to our community," Associate Professor Wright said.
"Just as importantly, we are deeply committed to working in partnership with local health services and the broader Mildura community to ensure the program is shaped by local needs and delivers meaningful, lasting benefits to the region."
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart highlighted the importance of rural training to grow the rural healthcare workforce.
"For communities like Mildura and right across the Mallee, access to a local doctor isn't a nice to have, it's essential," Senator Stewart said.
"The Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare by growing our medical workforce and training more doctors and GPs to deliver healthcare where it matters most, close to home."
