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Rural health club program focused on strengthening medical students' intention towards a rural medicine career
Janine E Wyatt1, Chantel M Lyons2
1Faculty of Medicine, Rural Clinical School, University of Queensland, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland rural health club's impact in strengthening the University of Queensland medical students' interest in a rural career. It is hypothesised that the Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship program contributed to participants' intention to practice medicine outside a metropolitan location upon graduation.
Design:
A retrospective cohort study using a mixed-methods approach. A self-administered online survey was conducted to investigate participants' Year 1 elective rural placement experience and career plans combined with the University of Queensland School of Medicine administrative data.
Participants:
Sixty Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship participants from 2012-2015.
Main Outcome Measure:
Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship respondents' strengthened their desire to work outside metropolitan locations.
Results:
Of the 60 Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship participants from 2012-2015, 40 (66.7%) responded. Overall, the Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship program strengthened 38 (95.0%) respondents' desire to work outside metropolitan locations. Seven respondents have graduated and five (71.4%) of these have chosen to work as an intern in a non-metropolitan location. Qualitative data identified some key themes, including reaffirming of rural practice commitment, the many opportunities for hands-on experience, patient interaction and community engagement.
Conclusion:
Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland rural health club played a role in promoting interest in rural careers among University of Queensland medical students through the Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship program. These early findings show involvement in Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland Rural Elective Experience Scholarship has contributed to participants either intending to, or choosing, a rural medicine career.