South Australia gains its first fully rural medical degree
Flinders University’s new South Australia Rural Medical Program (SARM Program) marks the first time in South Australian history that aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities. Having commenced in Mount Gambier and Renmark with 60 students, the program is designed to address the critical shortage of doctors in regional, rural and remote areas.
“We know that students who train in the regions are more likely to stay and practise there, and this program will help to build a sustainable rural health workforce for South Australia,” Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said. SARM Program students will spend their first two years in either Mount Gambier or Renmark before completing their clinical training across Flinders’ rural network, including the Barossa, Riverland, Hills Mallee Fleurieu and Greater Green Triangle.
Australia’s Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Australian Government wants to see more healthcare workers in regional, rural and remote areas, providing much-needed care to communities. “That’s why we’re investing in a range of rural clinical training programs, such as the South Australia Rural Medical Program, to get more workers into areas of need,” Butler said.
The Australian Government has allocated 20 additional Commonwealth supported places and $19.7 million in funding from 2023–24, with a co-contribution from Flinders University to support 40 SARM Program students.
Phone: 08 8201 3911
Textiles play a key role in healthcare design
A well-designed therapeutic environment contributes greatly to how patients and families perceive...
Slim Jim™ Step-On- the next innovation in waste management systems
Storage and disposal of refuse is a necessary process in the hospital and healthcare workplace....
