The University of Wollongong (UOW) will officially launch its Doctor of Medicine program at its Southern Highlands campus today (Tuesday 8 July), marking a significant step forward in addressing the critical shortage of doctors in rural and regional communities.
The first cohort of 12 students have commenced their medical studies in Moss Vale, with a plan to expand the total number of students in the Southern Highlands to 48 students by 2028.
“Training future doctors in the heart of regional New South Wales reflects our strong commitment to addressing the critical health needs of rural communities. Through this program students are not only gaining world-class medical education, but also the local insight and experience needed to make a meaningful difference where it matters most,” UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu said.
Professor Lu will attend the Moss Vale launch alongside Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick and the Dean of UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine, Professor Zsuzsoka Kecskes.
The expansion of the rural end-to-end Doctor of Medicine program to UOW Southern Highlands was made possible by a $16.3 million grant through the Commonwealth Department of Health Disability and Ageing Increasing Rural Medical Training (IRMT) Program. Students in the rural end-to-end track undertake all their studies in country settings.
The curriculum has been tailored to address the specific health needs of regional populations, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, rural placements, and interprofessional learning. Students benefit from hands-on experience in local hospitals, general practices and community health settings, preparing them to meet the diverse and complex healthcare challenges of rural Australians.
Professor Kecskes said: “Training the next generation of rural doctors has always been the focus of our medical programs and is at the heart of everything we do. UOW graduates are 50 per cent more likely to work in these communities compared to those from other medical schools, and nearly a third of all our graduates are working in rural areas a decade after graduation, compared to 19 per cent nationally.
“Our graduates are making a real difference in the health and wellbeing of regional and rural communities.”
