14 November 2005
More than 40 international delegates will converge on Monash's Regional Clinical School in Bendigo on Tuesday, 15 November, to discover first-hand the unique role the school plays in educating rural health care professionals.
The visit, by academics and policy makers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, is part of a five-day International Medical Workforce Conference being held in Melbourne.
Professor John Humphreys from the School of Rural Health said the Bendigo program was quite unique, combining education and practical and clinical work in collaboration with local service providers.
"We are keen to show our visitors the leading role that Monash is playing in rural medical education and our strong links with local regional health services," he said.
"Monash is leading the way in rural medical education -- we not only train, research and disseminate information, but also work closely with health service providers such as the Bendigo Health Care Group to provide a world-leading program."
Professor Humphreys said the problem of attracting doctors to regional and rural areas was echoed around the world.
"This isn't a problem that we in Australia are facing alone," he said. There is undoubtedly a shortage of medical practitioners and allied health staff outside metropolitan areas across the globe.
"To help combat this problem the visiting delegates will learn more about our program so they can take ideas of a working model back to their home countries," Professor Humphreys said.
The overall aim of the visit is to strengthen the rural focus in medical training and encourage medical professionals to take up a career in rural clinical practice.
For further information contact Professor John Humphreys on +61 3 5440 9081 or Mr Graham Allardice on +61 3 5440 9004.
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