The University of Newcastle continues to address doctor shortages

Tuesday 20 June 2006

Twelve placements in the 2007 Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle will be reserved for regional students.

The Faculty of Health is continuing to address the shortage of doctors in regional centres by introducing a 'Dean's List' to ensure students from Rural Remote and Metropolitan Areas 2 (RRMA 2) are represented in each admission.

RRMA 2 is defined as any regional town in Australia with a population of more than 100,000 people. Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong and Townsville are among the list of areas included.

Prospective students do not have to 'apply' for the Regional Dean's List. All students who are eligible for consideration of a Commonwealth Supported Place within the Bachelor of Medicine program and reside in a designated regional location will be considered.

"The University of Newcastle has a commitment to regional students and regional health. Research shows that graduates are likely to return to their home town to practice, helping to alleviate the need for doctors in regional centres," says Dr Dimity Pond, Chair of the BMed Admissions Committee.

In a recent letter to the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders, the Hon Julie Bishop, Minister for Education, Science and Training, commended the initiative.

"The University of Newcastle's record to date has demonstrated your commitment to improving access to medical school for people outside the major metropolitan centres," she said.

"Your proposal to allow for a specified proportion of admissions each year to the Bachelor of Medicine program for RRMA 2 areas… is a commendable mechanism to support eligible student entry into medicine from your and other RRMA 2 regions."

The regional admission program is separate to the Rural/Remote Admissions Scheme (RRAS).

RRAS is aimed at increasing the access of Australian students with a significant rural background to the Bachelor of Medicine program, while the Regional Dean's List will ensure representation from regional centres is also adequate.

For media comment please contact Dr Dimity Pond on 0416 081 283.