'Difficulties with rural medical training'
02/06/2008(16:54)
Although the number of medical students studying in rural areas has increased, there are difficulties providing them with the appropriate training resources, it has been claimed.
According to a report by Professor David Wilkinson, head of the School of Medicine at the University of Queensland, and colleagues, as critical shortages in the country's rural medical workforce continue, there are concerns with how best to tackle the problem.
By 2012, the shortfall of doctors in rural and remote areas may reach 1,182, the researchers claim.
"While medical student numbers might be increasing, the supply of clinical teachers and patients for teaching remains static. This challenges the traditional apprenticeship model for learning medicine," Professor Wilkinson said.
The report follows an attack on the government by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) over its failure to address the workforce shortages in rural areas of the country.
AMA president Dr Rosanna Capolingua, claims that rural health has been put in the government's "too hard basket" again.
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