Final-year medical students looking for a challenging and rewarding career in rural medicine are invited to learn more about the great professional opportunities available through the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP).

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said applications for 2017 QRGP internships would open on 10 March.

“It’s encouraging to see many trainee doctors have shown an interest in pursuing a career in the bush to bring great healthcare to rural and regional communities,” Mr Dick said.

“We often see students from a rural or regional area have an interest in going back to their home communities to practice which is great as they have a strong understanding and appreciation of the lifestyle and issues faced in these areas.”

The QRGP, hosted by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, provides medical graduates with a supported training pathway to a career in rural medicine; and rural and remote communities with a skilled medical workforce.

Rural generalist interns can train at 14 hospitals across Queensland including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Logan, Nambour, Redland, Mount Isa and Gold Coast. 

“At the beginning of this year interest in the pathway remained strong with the 425th intern starting training since the program began in 2007,” the Minister said.

“In 2016, close to 300 medical officers are at various stages of the training program and 60 Fellows have completed training. 103 medical officers are currently providing medical services to rural communities throughout the state.

“The QRGP, which last year celebrated the tenth anniversary of the stakeholder meeting which underpins its operation, is targeting 80 positions for the 2017 intake.”

Face-to-face and online information sessions on the opportunities offered by the QRGP are being held in February and March. For more information visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ruralgeneralist/default.asp