Regional, rural and remote area doctors — have your say

Australia’s regional, rural and remote area doctors are being urged to help shape rural healthcare policies by taking part in the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) latest Rural Health Issues Survey, open until 5 pm AEDT, 19 February 2025. The 2025 survey is open to all doctors practising in regional, rural or remote Australia, as well as doctors who have previously worked in those areas.

“Working as a rural doctor can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with its own unique challenges,” AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said, urging all doctors working in regional, rural and remote areas to take part and have their voices heard ahead of the federal election on crucial issues affecting access to rural health care.

“Workforce shortages, infrastructure issues, the challenge of distance, and higher incidences of major illnesses among the population are all issues our rural doctors deal with every day. The AMA has been calling for dedicated strategies and investments to support our rural workforce for years,” McMullen added.

“We want rural doctors to share their experiences with us and tell us what the priorities should be ahead of the federal election. We will use the results of the survey to ensure rural health is on the agenda of all politicians.”

The Rural Health Issues Survey has been run by AMA every three years since 2016, with each iteration providing crucial insights into the issues that impact both patients and doctors in rural Australia as well as how to address them. For example, highlighted in the 2022 Rural Health Issues Survey were critical gaps in training pathways for rural doctors as well as workforce retention issues.

Results of the 2022 survey were used to call for a range of policy measures, including extra funding and resources to support staffing levels, as well as establishing regional training networks to enhance opportunities for specialist training in rural areas. Of the survey responses, AMA Council of Rural Doctors Chair Dr Ian Kamerman said that while they highlighted the urgent need for reform, an overwhelming number of respondents also expressed the deep fulfilment they experienced from serving rural communities.

“We know how rewarding a career in rural health is,” Kamerman said, “but investment and reform is needed to address a range of issues, including workforce and training opportunities, to ensure it remains an attractive pathway for young doctors.”

If you are a doctor practising in regional, rural or remote Australia, or have previously worked in those areas, have your say here by 5 pm AEDT, 19 February 2025.

Image credit: iStock.com/DjelicS