New solution to our rural doctor shortage | OPINION

By Professor John Dewar and Professor Glyn Davis
May 10 2018 - 9:00am
New solution to our rural doctor shortage
New solution to our rural doctor shortage

IT’S been a wicked challenge that has bedevilled policy makers, educators and communities for more than 40 years. How do we ensure rural and regional Australians benefit from what most city people take for granted – reasonable access to the advice and expertise of a local doctor? Despite the best of intentions and a variety of approaches, the reality is not enough of the doctors leaving our universities are planning on a career outside our capital cities. In Victoria, latest data shows there are 409 clinicians for every 100,000 people in Melbourne, but beyond the tram tracks it can be as low as 150 in some areas.

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