2006 Media Releases
Wednesday, 5 April 2006
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY BID FOR REGIONAL MEDICAL SCHOOL
La Trobe University is stepping up its push to establish a regional medical school in Victoria.
The University has lodged a submission with the Federal Government detailing its proposed model for a Regional Medical School to alleviate the growing shortage of doctors in regional and rural areas.
It plans to introduce a four-year graduate entry program in 2008 with an annual intake of 100 students. The aim is to have a full complement of 400 students enrolled after four years.
The University will contribute $13 million in funding to establish the Regional Medical School in Bendigo.
While no Federal funding for capital development is being sought for the Bendigo School, $10m in Federal funding would be required if the University were to establish a second base at Albury/Wodonga.
La Trobe University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Development), Bob Goddard, has called on the regional community, businesses and organisations to get behind the proposal to help overcome the desperate shortage of medical professionals in regional Victoria.
“We need to train doctors who are willing to work in regional areas and the way to do that is to train them in the regions.”
Mr Goddard said the impact of a new Medical School on regional economies would be dramatic.
“The School would generate 50 new staff positions once fully operation. In addition, a team of regional and rural general practitioners will be formally trained by the University to be employed as teachers.
“During the short term construction phase, total growth in regional economies will be $82 million and 470 jobs will be created.
“In the longer term, this will grow by some $20 million annually, creating around 130 new jobs.”
Mr Goddard said La Trobe University had a very strong regional focus.
“We have the most extensive regional presence of all Victorian universities – a campus network that includes Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga. We are uniquely placed to establish a truly regional and rural medical school.
“The great strength of our proposal is the enduring link we have with regional hospitals and healthcare providers throughout Victoria through our existing health science programs.
“This partnership and the curriculum to be used will embed the entire medical program within the regional and rural health community.
“We are putting forward a very strong proposal that will deliver significant benefits to regional Victoria.”
SUMMARY OF THE LA TROBE UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL
The Model
Four-year graduate entry program with an annual intake of 100 students from 2008.
Funding
• La Trobe University will contribute $13m.
• The proposal seeks:
1. 40 Commonwealth-supported medical places in 2008 rising to 160 places in 2011
2. Agreement for La Trobe University to adjust its student profile to accommodate another 160 places by 2011
3. Agreement to an additional 20 full fee-paying places in 2008 rising to 80 places in 2001
4. Access to Federal Government funded medical training programs in rural and regional areas.
Curriculum
• Community oriented and community based model adapted from the Wollongong University (Sheffield University model) curriculum and shaped by regional and rural GPs and specialists
• The Regional Medical School will:
1. Recruit students from local and other Australian regional and rural
areas
2. Teach students in regional Victoria
3. Use local GPs and specialists to assist with teaching
4. Teach medicine with an understanding of rural health and rural health services with an emphasis on primary care
Research
• National centre of excellence in regional and rural health research to be established
• Will draw on La Trobe University’s strong biosciences and health sciences capabilities (recognised as 86th in the world in the UK Times Higher Education Supplement rankings)
Indigenous Education
• Strong commitment to Indigenous education and pathways into medical and health related degrees
Local Community Support
• Strongly supported by community groups, human service agencies and local business in Bendigo and regional towns and rural areas where students will train and work
For further information:
Bob Goddard, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Development), La Trobe University Tel: (03) 9479 2002