Flinders University has announced a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the physician shortage in rural South Australia by training doctors within these communities. This move marks the first time medical students in South Australia will have the opportunity to complete their entire education in rural settings, under the new South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program starting in 2025.
“Our rural medical program will play a critical role in addressing doctor shortages in South Australian country areas. Evidence suggests that training medical students in rural locations significantly increases the likelihood of them choosing to work in these areas post-graduation,” said Professor Claire Drummond, Deputy Dean, Rural and Remote Health SA at Flinders University.
The university has received a substantial allocation of 25% of all new rural places released by the Australian Government for training in a rural context, the largest share granted to any university in Australia. Additionally, the Federal Government has provided funding for 20 Commonwealth Supported Places. With Flinders contributing to this funding, the SARM Program will now have a cohort of 46 students annually.
“This significant funding boost allows us to train 46 students wholly in regional South Australia, marking a historic development in the realm of medical education,” stated Professor Drummond.
Flinders University has a long heritage of supporting rural medical education. It established the first Commonwealth-funded South Australian Rural Clinical School in Renmark in 1997. This longstanding commitment is underscored by the recent funding enhancements which enable the university to expand its teaching provisions.
With these developments, Flinders University will extend its existing program to allow students to complete all four years of their studies in rural locations. Currently, third-year medical students have the option of a year-long placement in various regional areas including the Barossa, Riverland, and Hills Mallee Fleurieu.
“The SARM Program offers diverse clinical training and experiences, equipping our rural doctors with the necessary skills to significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of local communities,” Professor Drummond explained. “Our graduates will be adept in understanding and responding to the social determinants of health and incorporating cultural awareness into their practice.”
Priority admission for this program will also be given to residents of rural South Australia, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, and applicants from interstate with rural backgrounds. Those from metropolitan areas who aspire to pursue a rural medical career are also encouraged to apply.
The launch of this program coincides with Flinders University celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing medical education, a period marked by producing skilled health professionals dedicated to improving healthcare through patient care and research.
Candidates interested in joining the SARM Program can find more details on the Flinders University Rural and Remote Health website.
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