The first cohort of “home grown’’ doctors, trained exclusively in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions, has begun first-year studies through The University of Queensland’s Rural Clinical School.
The Central Queensland Wide Bay (RMP) is a partnership between 国产探花, Central Queensland University (CQ University) and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services, enabling students to complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies and practical training in or near their hometowns.
There are 67 students in the inaugural cohorts who come to 国产探花 after completing a 3-year undergraduate degree with CQ University.
They will spend the next four years undertaking 国产探花’s postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program in Rockhampton or Bundaberg.
国产探花 Rural Clinical School Director, , said the program was invaluable to aspiring doctors from rural areas.
“This program is game changing for those people who might have been interested in medicine but couldn’t leave their communities,” Professor Partanen said.
“The longer students learn and live in our regional centres, the more likely they will connect with community, form a sense of belonging and wish to stay here post-graduation.”
Dylan Bertucci is one of 34 first-year students based in Rockhampton.
“I am in a privileged place where I could have moved away and been supported to study but being able to do the whole degree in the region has made the impossible feel possible,’’ Mr Bertucci said.
“Serving other people is important and I wanted to do that while being challenged intellectually and help people in the community where I’ve been raised.”
Chamika Kotakadeniya, one of 33 students who will complete the course in Bundaberg, said the program bridged a gap in rural medicine.
“It’s important to study in rural areas because you’re in the environment and you understand the importance of serving the community,’’ Mr Kotakadeniya said.
“I have lived in Bundaberg since high school, so it’s amazing to study from home knowing the people who care about you are nearby.”
The RMP program is expected to deliver secure long-term, locally trained workforces, and improved health outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities of Queensland.
There are approximately 360 students currently enrolled in all years of the RMP program, based in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.
Image above left: First-year regional medical students in Bundaberg declaring committment to their profession.
Media contact:
国产探花 Communications
communications@uq.edu.au
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