Summary
Central Queensland’s future doctors are doing their first placements across Rockhampton Hospital and health facilities as part of their broad education and training.
These 23 students are on the Regional Medical Pathway and are in the first year of their three-year Bachelor of Medical Science with Central Queensland University.
If they fulfil requirements, they will continue their journey, gaining automatic entry into The University of Queensland’s four-year Medical Doctor program, and then when they graduate, they are guaranteed an intern position with Central Queensland Health.
This means doctors can complete all their seven years of medical school training in Central Queensland.
The students will do several placements throughout their program targeted to medicine in a regional area. They will get an understanding of the complexities of regional and rural medicine, by placing in health disciplines across the system as well as medicine placements, including allied health, oral health, GP practices, pharmacies and non-government organisations in the community.
Central Queensland Health Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said these observational placements were essential for the students to gain a broad understanding of all areas that might impact on their work in the future.
“We’ve even included placements in areas such as clinical coding, and the elective surgery booking office to ensure that, when these students are working as doctors, they’re very aware of the resources available, and they’re able to get the best outcomes for their patients,” she said.
Ms Blackler said this program was created to address regional medical workforce shortages.
“Research shows that if doctors are trained and educated in regional areas, they are more likely to return and settle in the regions and are less likely to be lost to tertiary centres,” she said.
“It’s very exciting for our hospital teams to host these students in their very first year to give them an idea of what they’ll be dealing with. It also allows the students to see the amazing work that is done in the region, and the fabulous opportunities that are available to regional clinicians. It’s an absolute win-win for the health service, the students, and the people of Central Queensland.”
Of the 23 first-year students, eight come from Central Queensland. This figure is growing each year.
This innovative pathway was a partnership founded by Central Queensland Health, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Central Queensland University and The University of Queensland. It has now been embedded into business as usual for both health services.