Recruitment of medical practitioners to rural areas: a practical approach from the coalface

The successful recruitment of medical staff to country areas is a difficult process. This paper outlines strategies designed to increase the probability of a successful recruitment program. Strategies include determining if the position is truly required, designing an advertising campaign that reaches the target audience and addressing the significant regional and medical factors influencing the attractiveness of positions. Other areas discussed include the role of local hospitals, factors unique to individual medical practitioners, contracts and two possible long-term solutions--familiarising medical students with rural practice and recruiting overseas doctors.