The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) is calling for increased investment in rural medical, nursing and allied health training, following the latest release of the Medical Schools Outcomes Database (MSOD) 2025 National Data Report.
New data from Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand confirms that a majority of students from rural backgrounds remain committed to rural practice. In their survey, 62 per cent expressed a preference to work in regional centres, rural towns, or remote areas. Students who undertook rural placements longer than one year were ten times more likely to prefer rural practice than those without such experience. Membership in a Rural Health Club was also associated with a six-fold increase in rural career preference.
"The data is clear: if we wish rural communities to have doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, we need to train them where they are needed," said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
"Supporting rural medical, nursing and allied health students in their studies and building up capacity to train rurally would help address the ongoing health workforce crisis in rural, regional and remote areas.
"Stronger investment includes support for both tertiary and secondary education, ensuring students are exposed to the rural healthcare sector early and can envision a future in rural health. Rural secondary and tertiary education institutions must be properly resourced to inspire students to pursue health careers.
"Rural students wish to serve their communities, especially those of Aboriginal background, where cultural relevance to Indigenous communities is particularly important in areas with a high Indigenous population. We need to back them with the right training, support and funding. Many rural Australians are already going without access, due to the shortage of health professionals, particularly in areas with a population between 2,000 and 16,000. Unless we act now, this situation will only worsen.
The NRHA also notes the significant investments the government has made to promote rural generalism as a solution to the chronic shortage of doctors and health services in rural and remote areas. The cornerstone of this effort is the National Rural Generalist Pathway, and the progression towards the formal recognition of rural generalism as a specialty within general practice.
"We encourage the government to also address broader issues such as infrastructure, housing, and community support to retain the health workforce in rural areas.
"Being a rural generalist health or medical professional provides clinical courage and the opportunity to use the full breadth of training and skills, with no two days ever being the same.
"This is about more than health—it's about opportunity to increase the vibrancy of Australia, indeed its productivity. If we invest in rural education, we don't just grow the workforce; we build stronger, healthier communities from the ground up," said Ms Tegen.
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 54 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.
