A new medical pathway that will train up to 40 doctors each year in regional Queensland has been described as a game changer.
The scheme was formalised this week between CQUniversity, the University of Queensland, and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services with its first intake set for 2022.
CQUniversity vice-chancellor Nick Klomp said the pathway emerged after observing how too many in the profession who completed their traineeships in big cities did not return to the regions.
"It's really important and a great opportunity not just for some students who are currently in year 11 who could start this program the year after next, but more importantly this is going to train doctors in regional areas," Professor Klomp said.
"Why wouldn't you arrange a system where you can do the complete training here in the bush?"
Students will complete a three-year Bachelor of Medical Science at CQUniversity before moving to UQ's four-year MD program and both will be offered in local areas.
The Regional Medical Pathway will build on the current UQ Rural Clinical School that operates in Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, as well as smaller rural hospitals and general practices in the region.
"There is huge interest," Professor Klomp said.
"We're going to have a minimum of 40 students selected each year from Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton," he said.
"That's 40 each year — so that will pipeline through to a couple of hundred students through the whole program."
Students will have their placements, internships and further training opportunities throughout the region, including major hospitals in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
Steve Williamson, chief executive of Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, said the new program was already attracting interest from across Australia.
"I don't think this has been before, so we're also leading the way in how you can lead regional medical school programs. So it's really exciting," Mr Williamson said.
Mr Williamson said although it will take seven years of training before the first graduates emerge, the impact will begin sooner.
"We'll be able to attract those senior doctors into this region as well even before you see that first graduate from Central Queensland treating you in the Emergency Department or in a GP clinic. You'll see benefits before then," he said.
"So the opportunity to give Central Queenslanders who leave school to train to be a doctor and then do their vocational training here means they'll stay part of this community," Mr Williamson said.
"We think it will be really important in medical recruitment for a pipeline of new doctors."
