ACRRM welcomes the federal government’s pre-budget announcement that it will fund the establishment of the Northern Territory’s first stand-alone medical school in Darwin.
Charles Darwin University will receive $24.6 m to establish a medical school with 40 Commonwealth Supported Places from 2026.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says the College has advocated for an increase in funding to expand and support a strong and sustainable ACRRM Rural Generalist training pipeline to provide long-term, high quality rural and remote healthcare services where they are most needed.
“An important part of the ACRRM strategy is to build a strong end-to-end medical training framework, that generates interest in medical careers and supports students along the Rural Generalist career pathway,” Dr Halliday says.
“Having a medical school close to home for students in the Northern Territory will be a positive attraction for those considering a medical career.
“It will stop the need to travel interstate to study medicine, which is known as a real barrier, and it addresses the need to increase the number of medical students studying in regional areas.
“A locally trained and based medical workforce with an understanding of local communities benefits local communities.
“We will reach out to Charles Darwin University to offer support and feedback on the development of a curriculum and education program which has a strong focus on rural generalism.” Dr Halliday says.
The pre-budget announcement also included news that Flinders University’s existing NT medical program will receive an additional $4.7m over five years to boost the number of supported places from 30 to 36 positions for medical students to become junior doctors and registrars.
“This is vital to developing and retaining a high-quality medical workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to help address the NT’s health challenges.
“It will also support and attract more First Nation’s people to choose a medical career, a something the College is passionate about.”